Monday, October 13, 2014

MMGM: Out of My Mind


Sometimes you read a book that’s so wonderful with a message so powerful, that you want to stand on the street corner and press it into everyone’s hands, saying, “You must read this book.”

That’s how I feel about OUT OF MY MIND.

When Andrea Mack blogged about this book, I knew I had to read it. There are few books from the POV of someone who can't communicate, especially for kids.

Besides, I used to teach in a learning resource room, and some of my former students have cerebral palsy. In reading OUT OF MY MIND, I got a glimpse into their world.

Here’s the synopsis (from Amazon):



Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom—the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged, because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow. In this breakthrough story—reminiscent of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly—from multiple Coretta Scott King Award-winner Sharon Draper, readers will come to know a brilliant mind and a brave spirit who will change forever how they look at anyone with a disability.

What I found interesting about OUT OF MY MIND:

--The book begins with narration and a lot of back story, which breaks the "show, don't tell" rule. But this technique worked really well for this novel. Melody’s voice is so unique and so strong that you can't help but be enthralled. The initial back story also allowed for deep characterization.

--The book dealt with prejudice against people with disabilities in an unflinching and realistic light. It was hard to read about teachers and students treating Melody like she was invisible or inconvenient (or worse), but that was why this story rang true for me.    

--The supporting cast who was for Melody: Melody’s parents, the next door neighbor, and her instructional assistant saw a spark in Melody even before she could truly communicate. They were amazing and inspiring, yet sometimes they didn’t always understand Melody either. A humbling reminder that even the best teachers and parents are human too.

--People with disabilities were portrayed as well-rounded characters. Each of the characters in Melody’s classroom was well-developed, interesting, and unique. The author did not rely on stereotypes. I was moved by Melody's realization about her classmates at the end of the novel: "Not one of them even knows how to be mean."

--I loved how Melody at first fails to save her goldfish, but then is able to save her sister, despite her inability to communicate in typical ways. Her growth as a character was not so much becoming more independent and venturing out, but realizing that she had skills and gifts to offer the world all along.

If you like to experience another world through reading, I encourage you to check out this book. It will give you a whole new perspective on people with disabilities and how we often judge someone’s intelligence by communication alone.

Caveat: As previously noted, kids don’t always like the same books as adults do. My nine-year-old picked this up and quickly put it down. “This isn’t interesting to me.” This is a quiet, character-driven book that may not appeal to all readers, especially those who read to escape or like action-packed books.
What books have you read lately that have completely changed your perspective?


If you're looking for Marvelous Middle Grade suggestions, check out Shannon Messenger's blog.



19 comments:

  1. Sounds like a really powerful book. But I can see kids having your child's reaction.

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    1. It was powerful, but I don't think all kids will love it. Thanks for stopping by, Natalie!

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  2. I love this one, too. It's one of those on my shelves that I smile at every time I pass. I think this works best as a read-aloud, allowing for discussion of disabilities.The ending is tough to take, but probably true to life.

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    1. Yes, I think this would make a great read-aloud! I thought the ending was very realistic and would lead to great discussion.

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  3. That would be challenging to write a character who couldn't communicate in the normal way. And don't worry, I wouldn't have read it either when I was your son's age.

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    1. Ha! Thanks, Alex. That makes me feel better. :) Yes, I think this must've been very challenging to write. (Half-way through the book she is able to communicate with a computer.)

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  4. Wow, what an undertaking! I can't imagine how hard it must have been to write this book. I'm adding it to my list, and while I suspect it will take me a little while to get there (the list is really ridiculously long) I'm sure it will be worth waiting for. Thanks so much for making me aware of it!

    --Suzanne
    www.suzannewarr.com

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    1. That's what I thought too, Suzanne. You can tell she must've done a lot of research, because every detail was right. Glad I introduced you to a new title. I know what you mean about lengthy TBR lists...

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  5. I agree, the books we like - many times kids don't. This looks like one that is worth reading... but may be challenging for kids. I'll be looking for it, though.

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    1. It's definitely worth reading! And I'm sure there's many kids who would enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by, Sue!

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  6. I've heard so much praise for this book. I really need to read it. Quiet books are my favorite kind, but I know quite a few kids (not just boys) who prefer more action. Books like this are important, though. Diversity should include books about differently-abled kids.

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    1. I love quiet books too. And it is so nice to see a character unlike any I'd ever read before. I hope you enjoy it, Joanne!

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  7. Sounds like something I need to read. And our library has it!

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    1. Libraries are the best--that's where I get most of my reads. I hope you enjoy it, Kim!

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  8. Actually, my students really like Out of My Mind. Have you nominated for the Cybils Awards? We try to go for that balance of what both kids and adults like! Nominations close on Wednesday!

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    1. Interesting! I did just go over to the Cybils site. Thanks for the reminder!

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  9. This has been on my TBR list for awhile. I will have to get to it soon. Thanks for the review and the reminder.

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    1. You're welcome, Rosi! I hope you enjoy it!

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  10. This sounds like a really good book. I'm going to have to check my local library for it. :) Thanks for sharing!

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