Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Triumphant camp tale of girl with cerebral palsy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In OUT OF MY HEART, Melody Brooks, a 12--year-old living in Ohio, is trying to look forward to something to do over summer break. Because she has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and a device that helps her speak when she types in phrases and words, she realizes her choices are limited by her unique needs. But when she finds out about a camp where kids like her -- kids with a diverse set of unique needs -- are able to spend a week in a camp setting, she decides immediately that she's going to go. "Yes, yes yes!" she types on her Medi-Talker. The camp is called Camp Green Gables, and her parents help her apply. Amazingly, a spot opens up, and camp is dues to start in a few days' time. After shopping for camp gear, packing it all in the family SUV, and driving hours to the town where the camp is located, Melody experiences regret for having made a rash decision. But as soon as she sees the other wheelchairs, walkers, and counselors who understand, she's on board. Will she make her first real friends? Or will her heart be broken?
Is It Any Good?
In this beautifully woven story, written in the first person, the pain, challenge, and inspiration that encompasses the lives of kids with unique needs is given a voice by a very special character. Though Out of My Heart is a sequel to the critically acclaimed Out of My Mind, it succeeds in standing on its own. Preteen Melody Brooks, who hears colors when music plays, is curious about everything she encounters, and who never has had a friend, has the potential to meet her tribe in this uplifting story.
Kids will not be able to view kids with needs in the same way after reading this book. Melody's experience transcends the pages. When she longs to speak to a new friend, while she is without access to her speech generating device, her anguish is felt very clearly. "Oh how much I longed to speak," she thinks. When her camp-mates tell stories of being rejected, left behind, snubbed by peers and adults alike, the words pierce on the reader's heart. Adults will enjoy reading this book with kids, as it's relatable to people of all generations and abilities.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage that Melody shows when she decides to go to camp in Out of My Heart. What risks have you taken that require courage? Have you grown as a result?
Melody wishes that people would see beyond her wheelchair and simply view her as a person. Are there other shows or books that have expanded your experience of empathy? Why is it important to learn more and judge less?
Melody relies on technology in order to express herself. What tools might make your education or expression easier?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Activism , Adventures , Arts , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
- Publication date : November 9, 2021
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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