Get our Best Book Club Books of 2025 eBook!

What readers think of Out of My Mind, plus links to write your own review.

Summary |  Excerpt |  Reading Guide |  Reviews |  Beyond the book |  Read-Alikes |  Genres & Themes |  Author Bio

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Out of My Mind

by Sharon M. Draper
  • BookBrowse Review:
  • Critics' Consensus (7):
  • Readers' Rating (22):
  • First Published:
  • Mar 9, 2010, 304 pages
  • Paperback:
  • May 2012, 320 pages
  • Rate this book

About This Book

Reviews

Page 1 of 3
There are currently 22 reader reviews for Out of My Mind
Order Reviews by:

Write your own review!

Em

Yes or No?
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper is a heart-wrenching and inspiring story that will leave readers feeling deeply moved. The novel is narrated by 11-year-old Melody, who has cerebral palsy and is unable to communicate with others in the way she wants to. Despite this, Melody is a bright and intelligent girl who longs to be understood and accepted for who she is.

The author does an excellent job of bringing Melody's character to life and giving readers a glimpse into the struggles and challenges that people with disabilities face on a daily basis. Melody's perseverance and determination are truly admirable, and readers will find themselves rooting for her throughout the story.

One of the things that I appreciated about this book was how it tackled important themes such as empathy, inclusion, and the power of communication. Draper's writing is both honest and poignant, and she doesn't shy away from difficult topics. This book is an important reminder that every person, regardless of their abilities, has something valuable to contribute to the world.

Overall, I would highly recommend Out of My Mind to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging read. It's a powerful story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
person

Out of My Mind
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!
Eva

it's awesome!
Love it! TBH at first I didn't think much of disabled people, but this book changed me!
kitcat

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING
This is my favorite book, ever! I've read this when I was in 3rd grade, and LOVED it. Out Of My Mind describes how it would be like if you were disabled through Melody's perspective. There are two sad parts at the end and actually made me cry, but there are happy and funny parts too! I recommend this book to anyone who needs something to read.
Aiwie

Literally made me cry ;)
This book is so amazing! I can't believe how well the story is put together, all the confinement, and just thinking about being stuck in you own head is actually kinda scary! But she has a brilliant mind, and she gets through all of her hardships. This was probably one of the first books that ever made me cry!
Brook

great
This brook was one of the best i've have read. idk about y'all but it was good!
Power Reviewer
Beckyh

A look at "disability"
Melody, eleven years old, is brilliant. She also has spastic bilateral quadriplegia (cerebral palsy), is confined to a wheelchair and cannot speak. When she gets a Medi-Talker that allows her to communicate, her life changes.
OUT OF MY MIND tells Melody’s story of being confined in so many ways until her Medi-Talker arrives and the changes it makes in her life and the lives of those around her. Told sensitively and with compassion, it also tells of the story of a “normal” pre-teen confined in a disability. Draper writes with clarity. Melody is a well-rounded character as are her mother and father, neighbor and mentor, personal assistant and, most importantly, the other fifth graders and teachers in both her “special” classes and her “inclusive” classes.
Book groups (adult, teen, mother-daughter) will all find many topics for discussion including disabilities, friendship, jealousy, cliques, “special” education and others. Many of the topics will resonate with all teens and pre-teens who struggle with image, self-confidence and differences.
5 of 5 stars
LIZZIE

awesome
I didn't like reading, but this book changed my life on reading; now I love to read!
  • Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

Beyond the Book:
  What is Cerebral Palsy?

BookBrowse Book Club

  • Book Jacket
    Lessons in Chemistry
    by Bonnie Garmus
    Praised by Parade and The New York Times Book Review, this debut features a 1960s scientist turned TV cooking star.

Members Recommend

  • Book Jacket

    Serial Killer Games
    by Kate Posey

    A morbidly funny and emotionally resonant novel about the ways life—and love—can sneak up on us (no matter how much pepper spray we carry).

  • Book Jacket

    Ginseng Roots
    by Craig Thompson

    A new graphic memoir from the author of Blankets and Habibi about class, childhood labor, and Wisconsin’s ginseng industry.

  • Book Jacket

    The Original Daughter
    by Jemimah Wei

    A dazzling debut by Jemimah Wei about ambition, sisterhood, and family bonds in turn-of-the-millennium Singapore.

Who Said...

If there is anything more dangerous to the life of the mind than having no independent commitment to ideas...

Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes!

Wordplay

Solve this clue:

B W M in H M

and be entered to win..

Your guide toexceptional          books

BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.