Out of My Mind (novel)

Out of My Mind

Company type	Novel
Industry	Publishing
Founded	2010 (2010)
Founder	Sharon M. Draper
Products	Children's literature

Out of My Mind is a novel published in 2010 by Sharon M. Draper, a New York Times bestselling author. This book is aimed at readers between the ages of 10 and 14, typically students in grades 5 through 8. The story is told from the perspective of Melody Brooks, a young girl living with cerebral palsy.

Summary

Melody Brooks, who is almost eleven years old, faces significant obstacles in communication due to her cerebral palsy. At age five, she was labeled as "profoundly retarded" and her family was advised to place her in a nursing facility. However, her mother chooses to enroll her at Spaulding Street Elementary School instead. There, Melody is assigned to a special education classroom that does not challenge her intellectually. Her neighbor, Mrs. V, supports her independence by teaching physical skills to enhance her self-reliance, although Melody continues to rely on her parents for everyday care.

When Melody’s mother becomes pregnant, Melody fears the baby might have similar disabilities but feels reassured when Penny is born healthy. While she admires Penny’s capabilities, Melody also experiences feelings of jealousy alongside their close relationship.

In fifth grade, Melody receives a communication device that allows her to express herself more fully. The school implements an inclusion program and provides her with an aide named Catherine. Melody forms a friendship with Rose Spencer but endures bullying from classmates who underestimate her potential. She joins the Whiz Kids trivia team and impresses everyone by qualifying for the team and achieving perfect scores on practice tests.

On the day the team travels to Washington, D.C., Melody’s flight is canceled due to snowstorms, causing her to miss the trip while the rest of the team departs without her. The following day, a family emergency arises when Penny slips outside and sustains an injury; Melody attempts unsuccessfully to alert her mother. Although Penny recovers, Melody struggles with feelings of guilt over the incident.

Melody’s classmates try to make amends by presenting her with their trivia trophy, but she rejects it by breaking the award. Subsequently, she begins collaborating with Catherine on an autobiography project for school, starting with the opening lines found in this book.

Awards and achievements

• Maintained a position on the New York Times Bestselling Novel list for nine consecutive weeks
• Featured on the New York Times Best Seller List for over eighteen months
• Recipient of the 2011 Bank Street College of Education Josette Frank Award
• Named one of Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books of 2010
• Selected as a San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year
• Included in Virginia Readers' Choice Reading List for 2011–2012
• Awarded Parents' Choice Silver Honor
• Listed on Texas Bluebonnet Award 2011-2012 Master List
• Honored as Essence Magazine Book of the Year
• Recognized as a 2011 Notable Children's Book in English Language Arts
• Ranked among Top 10 Books of the Year by Shelf Awareness
• Chosen as a Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choice for 2011
• Designated as a 2011 IRA Teachers' Choice Book and Young Adult's Choice
• Winner of the 2013 Young Hoosier Book Award (Middle Grade)
• Awarded the 2011 Buckeye Children's and Teen Book Award for Grades 6–8 in Ohio
• Included in Sunshine State Young Reader's Award lists for middle school and elementary categories
• Recipient of the Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award for Grades 6–9 during 2011–2012
• Honored with the Beehive Book Award
• Featured in July editions of Time and Ladies' Home Journal
• Appeared on the Indie National Bestseller List
• Winner of the SAKURA Award
• Recognized as an NCTE Notable Children's Book in Language Arts

Film

In May 2022, it was revealed that the novel would be adapted into a film for Disney+, with Daniel Siepleman penning the screenplay, Amber Sealey directing, and Phoebe-Rae Taylor cast in the lead role. The film made its debut at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

Reception

Out of My Mind has garnered widespread praise from critics and received starred reviews from publications such as School Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus commended the book for its nuanced depiction of cerebral palsy and its authentic representation of the difficulties and social insensitivities faced by individuals with disabilities. Although Publishers Weekly pointed out some initial issues with plot tension, it acknowledged that these concerns were effectively resolved by the story’s midpoint. Booklist highlighted the novel’s wide-ranging appeal, making it appropriate for readers from upper elementary grades through adulthood. Both the Columbus Dispatch and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette emphasized the book’s powerful message advocating for people who are different. The Denver Post recommended it as a vital read for teenagers and parents alike. Additional reviews from outlets like VOYA, The Horn Book, and Children's Literature underscored its inspiring storyline and richly developed characters. The Washington Post praised Sharon Draper for crafting a genuine and compelling protagonist who deeply engages readers in her perspective.

External links

• Sharon Draper Author Page