Review: Out of My Mind

Author: Sharon M. Draper

Started reading: May 29th 2021

Finished the book: June 6th 2021

Pages: 295

Genres: YA, Realistic Fiction

Published: March 9th 2010

Source: Bought the book

Goodreads score: 4.37

My score:

Synopsis

Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. Her head is like a video camera that is always recording. Always. And there's no delete button. She's the smartest kid in her whole school—but no one knows it. Most people—her teachers and doctors included—don't think she's capable of learning, and up until recently her school days consisted of listening to the same preschool-level alphabet lessons again and again and again. If only she could speak up, if only she could tell people what she thinks and knows . . . but she can't, because Melody can't talk.

She can't walk. She can't write. Being stuck inside her head is making Melody go out of her mind—that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever.

At last Melody has a voice . . . but not everyone around her is ready to hear it.

From multiple Coretta Scott King Award winner Sharon M. Draper comes a story full of heartache and hope. Get ready to meet a girl whose voice you'll never, ever forget.

My thoughts

Thanks to my buddy Arjen for reading this book with me. And thanks to Jodi, who recommended me this book, years and years ago. I'm so sorry I didn't pick it up sooner and I wish I had, because it's SO good. I immediately ordered the book in Dutch when I finished it and I'm currently reading it in class! This book is a must-read for everyone. As of now it's still a standalone, but a sequel has been announced and I'm so curious about it!

Pros

• Melody: Melody is such a bright, funny and smart personality. I loved every minute of reading about her. I would've loved there to be 12 more books, because she is definitely on my list of favorite characters. While the book is called Out of My Mind, I loved being IN Melody her mind. The way she's portrayed in this book is brilliant.
• Awareness: This book raises so much awareness. It reminds us, humans, that you can't judge a book by it's cover, just as you can't judge a person by the way they look. I think it's a very important book for the higher grades and would recommend any 5th Grade teacher and higher to read it in class. I started reading it today and the kids are HOOKED.
• All the feelz: It's definitely been a while that a book left me with all the feelz. People are harsh to each other, I see it in class with my students every day, I see it in the world outside every day. That is one of the main things in this book; People will be and will stay mean, judging you on who you are and how you look. But you have to to rise above it and I feel like that is what Melody does. I would've loved for the book to have a more cheery ending, but on the other hand I think the ending was strong as it is now.
• Sequel: I was SO happy to see a recent Tweet by the author that a sequel is announced. I can't wait to read more on Melody, since she stole my heart. I do hope that the second book will end on a more cheery note.

Cons

Ya kidding?

Overall

Out of My Mind is such a strong, beautiful book with a huge message to tell the world. Melody is a bright star shining in this book. She brings the sauce to every scene. The way she narrates this book is spot on, and she STOLE my heart. I can't wait to read more about her.

Other opinions on this book

"Like Stephen Hawking, who becomes her hero, Melody discovers that her inner strength and intelligence are more reliable than most of the humans around her. She becomes an activist for herself, even as Draper challenges those who read her story to become activists for those who are different."

- The Columbus Dispatch

"Unflinching and realistic. Rich in details of both the essential normalcy and the difficulties of a young person with cerebral palsy."

- Kirkus Review

Memorable quotes from this book

"Words have always swirled around me like snowflakes - each one delicate and different, each one melting untouched in my hands."

Thanks for reading!

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