Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper – Kathleen Carley

Just finished reading Out of my Mind. I loved Melody’s perspective and seeing what she thought was my favorite theme throughout the book. Melody is a fifth-grade girl with cerebral palsy. She is in special education classes, as well as general education classes integrated with other students. I was saddened to see how her other classmates and teachers treated her.

In one of the Education classes I am taking, we are learning about the inclusion of students with special needs in general education classrooms. I thought it was very fitting that I have been learning about that and reading this book at the same time! All students should be given the environment and support to reach their full potential, special needs or not. I was glad to see Melody integrated with other students but it was hard to see how much bullying she experienced from her classmates and teachers.

Melody is able to get a machine that allows her to type out words and select phrases to say so that the people in her life can hear her. Most people don’t even realize that she has thoughts and the ability to learn and understand. That must be so frustrating to not feel heard. Not only that, but being smart isn’t enough for her other classmates and teachers to respect her and want her to be around. She is treated as a burden to everyone around her because she doesn’t have much physical control and “normal” habits take longer for her to complete i.e. her teammates leaving her for Washington for a Quiz competition without telling her.

Maddi and Grace, please let me know how your reading is going! :)

and How was your guys’ weekends? I’ve been in Sacramento visiting my boyfriend! We basically just study all day because of school work but it’s been nice to be out of Chico for the weekend! I have eaten a lot of hamburgers and french fries. It is pretty magical. The slightly colder weather makes me crave warm, fried food and lots and lots of coffee. Since I have finished this book and Ready, Player One I am trying to decide what to read next. What are you guys reading right now? Are there any shows on TV you guys are watching?

Have a great day!

-Kathleen