Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Release: March 9th 2010
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

From award-winning author Sharon Draper comes a story that will forever change how we all look at anyone with a disability, perfect for fans of RJ Palacio’s Wonder.

Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory. And 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 her definition of cerebral palsy. And she has the determination to let everyone know it – somehow.

About the Author:

Sharon M. Draper is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and a recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award honoring her significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens. She has received the Coretta Scott King Award for both Copper Sun and Forged by Fire, and was awarded the Charlotte Huck Award for Stella by Starlight. Her novel Out of My Mind has won multiple awards and was a New York Times bestseller for over three years, and Blended has also been a New York Times bestseller. She taught high school English for twenty-five years and was named National Teacher of the Year. She now lives in Florida. Visit her at SharonDraper.com.

Out of My Mind Review:

“Out of My Mind” is one of the best middle-grade novels I have read, and I recommend it to a reader of any age!

The synopsis of the book immediately drew me in. Honestly, I have never met a character like Melody in any middle-grade novel that I have read, and I adored her from the get-go. She is intelligent, ambitious, and full of life. But, because of her predicament, she cannot show it to the world and gets frustrated from it. My heart went out to her from the beginning when she got placed with the other disabled children. As the story progresses, you see how Melody’s life changes. I loved Melody because even though she faces so many challenges (that others take for granted), she never lets it stagger her hope and determination. The story is not all sunshine and roses, and you see Melody facing many hurdles, and I admire how the author realistically wrote her with pride.

Moreover, I also adored the way the author narrated the story. The author progresses the story so well, and the second half of the book is so exciting. You will go on a whirlwind of emotions, from anger and heartbreak to hope and move on. Some memorable moments are when Penny comes into their lives or when Melody uses the Medi-talker for the first time (which got tears in my eyes). Moreover, I loved her connection with Mrs. V. There are also some despicable characters in the story who tries to bring Melody down. Even characters like Rose and Rodney were annoying. You get personally invested in Melody’s life as you read the tale, and the entire book is memorable!

Overall, “Out of My Mind” is a heartwarming and heartbreaking middle-grade novel that you should indeed read!

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will win a finished copy of OUT OF MY HEART, US Only.

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!