Out of My Mind, by Sharon Draper

Out of My Mind, by Sharon Draper, was an insightful and heartwarming story, for the most part.  First of all, I really enjoy this writer's style - tons of cleaver descriptions, crafty details, great word choice and phrasing.  I could visualize perfectly what the main character was seeing, feeling, and wanted to express - this was super appropriate in displaying the intelligence of the character, as Melody is in a wheelchair with cerebral palsy and an inability to speak her thoughts, yet she has a photographic memory and is waaaaaaay smarter than most everyone around her.

Generally, kids might not be interested in reading a book like this because the main character is a girl in a wheelchair that has a serious disability. Melody can't speak clearly, she needs assistance living (eating, going to the bathroom, changing clothes, etc.), and she doesn't seem to fit in their world.  The thing is, though, is that there are definitely people out there disabled just like Melody. Reading Out of My Mind made me feel more empathetic and caring for people with disabilities.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book.  I'm not sure that I loved all of the events and how the storyline unraveled; parts seemed far-fetched and I disliked how Melody was often treated, but that's life!  Not everything goes the way you want it to go, even in fiction. 

If you were at all interested in Wonder, then this book is one you should definitely consider reading.  You might also enjoy reading Rules or Freak the Mighty.  If you find yourself looking for a new book, consider Out of My Mind and enjoy!