It's been almost a month since I've posted about my reading. In all honesty, I haven't finished anything since then. I'm sort of a dabbler when it comes to reading. I read lots of different things at one time and then go on a finishing streak. I feel a streak coming on.
Meanwhile. . . this month's book club read.
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
This book was my recommendation. Draper is one of the featured speakers at our 2010 Wisconsin State Reading Convention, and this is her latest book. I completely questioned my recommendation and was sure my book club was going to hang me by my freshly manicured toe nails until about 100 pages into the book. It was a slow start.
Out of My Mind is narrated by Melody, an eleven-year-old who's battle with cerebral palsy keeps her from verbalizing her thoughts and feelings. The idea behind the book is pretty brilliant - the reader gets to hear what is going on in Melody's mind. Melody has no cognitive impairments; her disability is purely physical. However, her physical limitations prevent Melody from speaking. In addition, she often loses control of her muscles, needs to be fed, and relies on a wheelchair. Her fifth grade classmates, teachers, and others are blinded by Melody's physical disability and assume that she is also cognitively disabled.
As the reader meets Melody, many things are changing about her life. She is entering fifth grade, has a new special education teacher and paraprofessional, is being included in regular education classes for the first time ever, welcomes a baby sister, and begins using a computer (that she names "Elvira) to communicate. For the first time ever, Melody has the opportunity to be a "normal" kid.
It doesn't take Melody long to learn that her limitations are no longer physical. She is now limited only by other people's perceptions about her made clear through rude public comments, eye rolling, giggling, and avoidance.
Out of My Mind had a slow start. Draper used the first 100 pages to introduce the reader to Melody, her family, and her classmates. The story didn't actually start moving until Melody began using the computer to "talk," increasing her involvement with her peers. From there, the story took many heart-wrenching twists and turns. Having what she wanted most - the ability to speak - didn't change Melody's life in quite the way she anticipated.
I'm glad I read this and had a chance to discuss it. I would recommend it especially to people who work with students with disabilities (Em, that's you! and Erin, that's you!) and as a book for discussion by upper-elementary students (Beth, that's you!).
