Summary
Out of My Mind is an award-winning middle-grade novel by Sharon M. Draper that captures the frustrations and triumphs of living with a disability. It follows Melody Brooks, an 11-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who possesses a brilliant mind but cannot speak or write. Published in 2010, the novel resonated with readers of all ages and abilities, securing a spot on The New York Times bestseller list for over 18 months. While tackling topical issues of diversity, inclusion, and social stigmatization, Draper's portrayal of Melody and her struggles has been praised for its authenticity and sensitivity. Out of My Mind has become a staple in many classrooms, encouraging students to consider the experiences of those living with physical limitations.
Out of My Mind was adapted into a Disney Original movie, with Phoebe-Rae Taylor cast in the lead role. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival before being released for streaming on Disney+.
Plot
Melody Brooks is an intelligent 11-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak or move independently. Despite her physical limitations, she possesses a photographic memory and is more intellectually advanced than most of her peers and teachers. Frustrated by her inability to communicate, Melody attends Spaulding Street Elementary School where she is placed in a special education class that fails to challenge her academically.
As Melody grows older, she becomes increasingly aware of the gap between her cognitive abilities and her physical constraints. When her mother becomes pregnant, Melody overhears her parents' concerns about the new baby potentially having disabilities, which makes her feel ashamed. However, her sister Penny is born healthy, and while Melody loves her, she also envies Penny's ability to develop normally.
Melody's life changes dramatically when she enters fifth grade and receives a communication device that allows her to express herself. Her school implements an inclusion program, enabling her to participate in regular classes with the help of an aide named Catherine. Melody joins the school's trivia team, impressing everyone with her knowledge. However, she faces bullying from classmates who underestimate her intelligence due to her disability.
The story reaches a climax when Melody qualifies for a trivia competition in Washington, DC, but is left behind by her teammates. Shortly after, a tragic accident occurs when her sister Penny is hit by a car, partly because Melody couldn't communicate the danger quickly enough. The novel concludes with Melody rejecting her classmates' attempt at reconciliation and beginning to work on her autobiography, which forms the basis of the book itself.
Themes
Overcoming disabilities and limitations
Importance of communication and self-expression
Struggle for acceptance and inclusion
Power of perseverance and determination
Impact of family support and understanding
Challenging stereotypes and misconceptions
Personal growth and self-discovery
Setting
Out of My Mind is set in contemporary times, likely the early 2000s, reflecting modern educational practices and assistive technologies for students with disabilities. The story takes place in the United States, though a specific state or city is not explicitly mentioned. The primary setting is Melody's suburban neighborhood and her local public school, Spaulding Street Elementary. Much of the action occurs within the school building, particularly in Melody's special education classroom and later in the mainstream classrooms she attends through an inclusion program. Her home environment, including interactions with her family and neighbor Mrs. V, also plays a significant role in the story.
As Melody's world expands, the setting briefly shifts to include a broader context. This is most notable when she qualifies for the school's trivia team, leading to potential travel for a competition in Washington, DC. However, the core of the narrative remains firmly rooted in Melody's immediate community and her daily struggles and triumphs within these familiar spaces.
Characters
Melody Brooks: The protagonist and narrator. Melody is an 11-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak or move independently. She has a photographic memory and is extremely intelligent but struggles to communicate with others. Resilient and determined, Melody refuses to be defined by her disability. Her journey to express herself and be understood is at the heart of the story.
Diane Brooks: Melody's mother. She is loving, supportive, and fiercely protective of Melody. Diane advocates for her daughter's education and inclusion, often pushing against those who underestimate Melody's abilities. She struggles with the challenges of raising a child with severe disabilities while maintaining hope for Melody's future.
Chuck Brooks: Melody's father. He is caring and devoted to his family, working hard to provide for them. Chuck often serves as a calming presence for both Melody and Diane during difficult times. He supports Melody's efforts to communicate and participate more fully in school and social activities.
Mrs. V (Violet Valencia): Melody's neighbor and caretaker. Tough but kind, she pushes Melody to be as independent as possible. Mrs. V plays a crucial role in Melody's development, teaching her skills and providing support beyond what Melody receives at school.
Catherine: Melody's aide at school. She assists Melody with daily tasks and helps facilitate her communication and participation in class. Catherine is patient and understanding, becoming an important ally for Melody.
Rose Spencer: A classmate who becomes Melody's friend. Rose is initially one of the few students who treats Melody with kindness and respect. Their friendship develops as Rose begins to understand Melody's intelligence and personality.
Penny Brooks: Melody's younger sister. Penny is born healthy, which brings both joy and complex emotions to the family. Her development highlights some of Melody's limitations, but also strengthens Melody's resolve.
Mr. Dimming: Melody's fifth-grade teacher. He initially underestimates Melody but gradually comes to recognize her intelligence and abilities. Mr. Dimming's inclusion program allows Melody to participate more fully in regular classes.
Molly and Claire: Two classmates who bully Melody. They represent the ignorance and cruelty Melody faces from some of her peers. Their actions highlight the social challenges Melody encounters at school.
Quick facts
Out of My Mind is written in first person from the perspective of Melody, an 11-year-old girl with cerebral palsy.
The story was loosely inspired by author Sharon M. Draper’s experiences as the mother of a daughter who has cerebral palsy.
Melody is described as not being able to speak or write but having a photographic memory.
Out of My Mind is a middle-grade novel, recommended for ages 10 to 14 and grades 5 to 8.
It received starred reviews from School Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews.
The novel explores themes of disability, inclusion, and self-expression.
Out of My Mind was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of 2010.
The novel won the 2011 Bank Street College of Education Josette Frank Award and the 2013 Young Hoosier Book Award in the Middle Grade category.
Out of My Mind spent over 18 months on The New York Times bestseller list.
A film adaptation premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and was released for streaming on Disney+.
About the Author
Sharon M. Draper (1948-) is an accomplished American author and educator. With a career spanning over three decades, she has made significant contributions to children's and young adult literature. Her works often explore themes of race, disability, and coming-of-age, tackling serious issues with sensitivity and insight. After receiving the inaugural John Steptoe Award for New Talent in 1995 for Tears of a Tiger, she went on to win two Coretta Scott King Awards (in 1998 for Forged by Fire and 2007 for Copper Sun) and two Author Honor Awards (in 2004 for The Battle of Jericho and 2008 for November Blues). Her novel Out of My Mind, which tells the story of a girl with cerebral palsy, was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of 2010, became a New York Times bestseller, and inspired a film adaptation.
A graduate of Pepperdine University and Miami University of Ohio, Draper spent 25 years as a high school English teacher in Cincinnati, receiving the honor of being named National Teacher of the Year in 1997. Her teaching experience greatly influences her writing, allowing her to create authentic and relatable characters for young readers. Her literary career began in 1990 when she won a writing contest sponsored by Ebony magazine, receiving encouragement from acclaimed author Alex Haley.
With over 30 books to her name, including the popular Hazelwood High trilogy and Jericho series, Draper continues to captivate readers with her compelling storytelling. Her work has been recognized by organizations such as the American Library Association and the International Reading Association. Beyond writing, Draper is a sought-after speaker at educational and literary conferences, sharing her expertise and passion for literature with audiences worldwide.
