Out of My Mind, by Sharon Draper, is the kind of book that should be shared. I read Out of My Mind for a library book club that I attend with my 10 year old daughter and my 11 year old son. Both my kids finished the book before I did and said I would ADORE it.
My kids know me well. Out of My Mind is one of the most moving and powerful books I’ve ever read. When I finished it, I felt inspired and hopeful and in awe of the finesse of Sharon Draper’s story. I found myself thinking about it for days afterward. I found myself talking about the book to friends and strangers alike. I found myself longing to write an impactful middle grade novel. (Up until now, I’ve been mainly a picture book girl.)
In this story, Melody, a fifth grade girl with Cerebral Palsy, loves words, yet she can’t speak. She fails miserably every time she attempts to communicate something important because all she can do is grunt and flail her limbs. She has a photographic memory, yet people patronize and disrespect her because they assume her mental state mirrors her physical state. This book chronicles her experiences with her peers in a realistic, yet poignant way. Somewhat like Wonder, by R.J. Palacio, this book climbs inside the head of someone who is painfully different at an age where differences are definitely not celebrated. Everyone should read this book and discuss it with their kids, friends and parents. This is the kind of book that should be shared.
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WRITERS' RUMPUS 
Wonder is my personal fav, and I really enjoyed Out of My Mind, too! I can’t imagine being stuck inside your own head, and no one else able to get in there with you. It definitly makes you think. Wonder did the same thing for me, and I loved seeing the story through many different viewpoints. Thanks for the post!
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Seeing other people’s perspective in Wonder, was a really good way to get inside the characters and understand them 🙂
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I haven’t read either yet, but I plan to now. Yes, it’s scary–but in a good way–to know what books can mean to readers.
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So now I’ve read it. Wow. Not nearly as predictable as I expected, with characters who behave all too believably. A great and important read.
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I absolutely loved Wonder! So if Sharon Draper’s book is anything like that, I’m adding it to my list of books I must read. Thanks for the suggestion, Kirsti. It is so touching and scary as a writer to know the amazing impact books can have on its readers.
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I agree Carol and Marianne. Books really can and do inspire and motivate people!
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My children and I also enjoyed this book greatly. I read it after Wonder and found it extremely moving.
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My two oldest kids and I read Out of my Mind first. When I read Wonder I just kept thinking of all the parallels.
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