Texas Bluebonnet Nominee 2011
Exposition:
Eleven year old Melody isn't truly out of her mind, instead she is trapped inside it. Her photographic memory means that she is full of ideas
Conflict:
Filled with knowledge, words, and experiences, her body is her prison from birth. Born with cerebral palsy, most everyone sees her for her disability and assumes that she is what she appears.
Rising Action:
Determined parents along with her neighbor Ms. V and her school aide Catherine support Melody as she overcomes numerous obstacles to prove just what she can offer the world. As a result of a biography assignment in her inclusion class, Melody discovers Stephen Hawking. Fascinated with learning about his use of a computer to facilitate his communication, she finds and advocates for a computer for herself. The transition from her talking board to the computer doesn't solve everything but it does open up a world of WORDS! Her intelligence and sense of humor become more evident to those around her, even when they don't know how to treat her.
Climax:
Faced with doubt from both teachers and students, Melody insists on trying out for the academic competition team that is focus on making it to the final competition in Washington, DC. Melody not only makes the team, but she makes it with perfect scores. Unfortunately after the team advances, Melody finds that the team has caught an early flight, and she is left behind unable to compete. Back at home, Melody gets up the next morning and insists that she be taken to school. In the midst of a horrible rainstorm, she and her mom are about to leave when her toddler sister escapes the house and runs behind the vehicle. Without her talking computer, Melody resorts to throwing a fit to no avail in an effort to try to stop her mom from backing over her sister.
Falling Action:
Her sister lives as a result of Melody slowing her mom down. When Melody goes back to school, other students see her as a hero. The academic team comes back having placed 9th without Melody.
Resolution:
Melody confronts the team and the sponsor in class about being left behind. Life still isn't easy for Melody, but her intelligence and determination help her to face adversity putting it and some of those around her firmly in their place.
Literary Elements:
Sharon Draper expertly uses music in language to capture Melody's voice and frustration. The first chapter of the book draws readers into her world through the musical language. Additionally, the author artfully interspersed the unexpected insights into human nature such as the one Melody has at the end of the book about her "friend" Rose.
My Opinion:
Honestly, it isn't often that a book freezes me in my tracks. This one did.
This isn't a lighthearted read, instead it is a well-crafted reflection from a point of view seldom considered. The moment I began reading, I was immersed in the character and in her world. I, too, found myself stuck in a world where I had no voice…virtually no control over my body…but with a mind that didn't stop…ever. I couldn't put it down as I felt Melody's frustration, joy, and fear. And when she found her voice, I celebrated right along with her. Sharon Draper has written a book that should be required reading for every middle school class. Melody's experience exemplifies the danger of underestimating people's abilities simply because of the challenges before them. Written for ages 10 and up, the novel explores themes of determination, struggle, and accomplishment. Out of my Mind will be the new favorite that I will introduce to all the Torey Hayden fans who haunt my desk requesting book recommendations.
Draper, S. M. (2010). Out of my mind. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Exposition:
Eleven year old Melody isn't truly out of her mind, instead she is trapped inside it. Her photographic memory means that she is full of ideas
Conflict:
Filled with knowledge, words, and experiences, her body is her prison from birth. Born with cerebral palsy, most everyone sees her for her disability and assumes that she is what she appears.
Rising Action:
Determined parents along with her neighbor Ms. V and her school aide Catherine support Melody as she overcomes numerous obstacles to prove just what she can offer the world. As a result of a biography assignment in her inclusion class, Melody discovers Stephen Hawking. Fascinated with learning about his use of a computer to facilitate his communication, she finds and advocates for a computer for herself. The transition from her talking board to the computer doesn't solve everything but it does open up a world of WORDS! Her intelligence and sense of humor become more evident to those around her, even when they don't know how to treat her.
Climax:
Faced with doubt from both teachers and students, Melody insists on trying out for the academic competition team that is focus on making it to the final competition in Washington, DC. Melody not only makes the team, but she makes it with perfect scores. Unfortunately after the team advances, Melody finds that the team has caught an early flight, and she is left behind unable to compete. Back at home, Melody gets up the next morning and insists that she be taken to school. In the midst of a horrible rainstorm, she and her mom are about to leave when her toddler sister escapes the house and runs behind the vehicle. Without her talking computer, Melody resorts to throwing a fit to no avail in an effort to try to stop her mom from backing over her sister.
Falling Action:
Her sister lives as a result of Melody slowing her mom down. When Melody goes back to school, other students see her as a hero. The academic team comes back having placed 9th without Melody.
Resolution:
Melody confronts the team and the sponsor in class about being left behind. Life still isn't easy for Melody, but her intelligence and determination help her to face adversity putting it and some of those around her firmly in their place.
Literary Elements:
Sharon Draper expertly uses music in language to capture Melody's voice and frustration. The first chapter of the book draws readers into her world through the musical language. Additionally, the author artfully interspersed the unexpected insights into human nature such as the one Melody has at the end of the book about her "friend" Rose.
My Opinion:
Honestly, it isn't often that a book freezes me in my tracks. This one did.
This isn't a lighthearted read, instead it is a well-crafted reflection from a point of view seldom considered. The moment I began reading, I was immersed in the character and in her world. I, too, found myself stuck in a world where I had no voice…virtually no control over my body…but with a mind that didn't stop…ever. I couldn't put it down as I felt Melody's frustration, joy, and fear. And when she found her voice, I celebrated right along with her. Sharon Draper has written a book that should be required reading for every middle school class. Melody's experience exemplifies the danger of underestimating people's abilities simply because of the challenges before them. Written for ages 10 and up, the novel explores themes of determination, struggle, and accomplishment. Out of my Mind will be the new favorite that I will introduce to all the Torey Hayden fans who haunt my desk requesting book recommendations.
Draper, S. M. (2010). Out of my mind. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
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