Common Sense Media Review
By Sally Engelfried
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Girl with cerebral palsy conquers challenges in moving tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Parents say the book is an emotional and eye-opening read that effectively captures the struggles of a smart girl with cerebral palsy, showcasing her determination to change perceptions about disabilities. While many readers praised its depth and the important themes of empathy and acceptance, some found elements unsettling or overly sad for younger audiences, particularly due to instances of bullying and a dark event towards the end.
- eye-opening
- emotional depth
- strong protagonist
- important themes
- age suitability
- bullying depiction
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 87 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a powerful and moving story that deepens understanding of disabilities through the perspective of a smart girl with cerebral palsy, Melody, who faces significant challenges but remains courageous and resilient. Many readers found the narrative inspiring, offering valuable lessons about empathy, kindness, and the importance of not underestimating individuals with disabilities, although some noted it contains mature themes that may not be suitable for younger children.
- powerful story
- inspiring character
- deep understanding
- empathy lessons
- mature themes
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In OUT OF MY MIND, narrator Melody, born with cerebral palsy, has never been able to communicate to her loving family all the thoughts that run through her mind. The story reveals Melody's inner thoughts and her frustration at not being able to control her body -- she has to have someone feed her and help her go to the bathroom -- despite the fact that she has a photographic memory. Melody reminisces about her childhood and takes us up to fifth grade, when she acquires a machine that helps her communicate better than she ever could before. When she gets on a school team with the "regular" kids that finally allows her to show off her intelligence, Melody thinks she's on the road to being accepted by them -- until she learns the heartbreaking truth that her differences will always set her apart.
Is It Any Good?
Author Sharon M. Draper, winner of several Coretta Scott King awards (for November Blues and Copper Sun, among others) has created a well-rounded, likable character. Melody's not afraid to express anger or frustration yet still manages to keep a mostly positive outlook on her situation. Though some of the language is surprisingly dated for a book that came out in 2010, Melody's worries are timeless: She wants to wear cool clothes, be accepted by her peers, and have grown-ups acknowledge her intelligence.
Readers will find it easy to empathize with Melody and will root for her when she finally gets to be a part of the fifth-grade history competition -- and they'll feel her heartbreak when all doesn't go as she hopes it will.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories of kids dealing with disabilities. Do their experiences make it easier for you to deal with things in your own life, or do they make you look at problems differently?
How does technology improve Melody's life? Can you think of more ways technology could make positive changes for someone like Melody? Has technology had any negative impacts on Melody's life?
How does peer pressure affect people? Does reading Melody's story make you think differently about anyone you know or have observed?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Atheneum
- Publication date : March 9, 2010
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 18
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : February 19, 2026
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