Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Considered by many to be mentally retarded, a brilliant, impatient fifth-grader with cerebral palsy discovers a technological device that will allow her to speak for the first time.

Such a good book! But Melody deserved more justice in the end.

This book had all my fellow school librarians talking a few years back when it was one of the Bluebonnet nominees. I ran across a copy a couple of months ago and was motivated by the appearance of the Medicine Chest Bookbox to finally read it.

Melody can't walk. She can't talk. She can't feed herself or go to the bathroom by herself. But she has a photographic memory and remembers everything she's ever seen. If only she could share with others....

And then she learns about a new computer that can speak for her. It changes her life.

What a great story. It reminds me a lot of another recent children's story that I loved, Wonder. A story that can build empathy, I think.

Really nice read about a nonspeaking fifth grader with CP and synesthesia who gets an electronic AAC device and then everyone at school starts to realize how smart she really is. Would be great for any kiddo learning about disability or difference. Content notes: ableism, R word, car accident

I had never heard of this book before until I read a chapter to the kids I was subbing for. I immediately wanted to go back to the beginning and read the whole thing.

Melody never gives up and always keeps on trying no matter how hard her life is. The book made me laugh; it made me cry. My heart was breaking for her at the ending but she was a much better person inside than 100% healthy people are.

I gave it 5 stars and it really deserves that rating. My only critique is we were not given a final scene between Melody and her mother and I think that gives the book a big disservice considering the last time we see them together.

Even if this isn't your normal type of book, even if you are an adult and don't usually read middle grade books, read this one!