In 2010, Sharon Draper brought Melody to life in Out of My Mind. Melody is a young girl whose mind is full of curiosity and vast amounts of information but Cerebral Palsy makes it difficult for her to participate and communicate with her classmates and peers. Out of My Mind helps the reader look at disabilities and accessibility differently. Now, over a decade later, Sharon M. Draper has brought Melody back to us. Melody is now a year older and on the cusp of her teenage years. Melody is looking for the independence and experiences that all girls her age strive for. Out of My Heart is the tale of Melody’s pursuits of these experiences at summer camp.
Meet author Sharon M. Draper as she reads an excerpt from her new novel, Out of My Heart.
Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper is a captivating novel that delves into important themes and challenges faced by young adults. Teachers who incorporate this novel into their curriculum can engage students in meaningful discussions while fostering critical thinking and empathy.
Benefits of Using Out of My Heart in Your Classroom:
- Representation and Diversity: Sharon M. Draper skillfully weaves diverse characters and experiences into the narrative, providing students with a broader perspective of the world. By reading about characters from different backgrounds and cultures, students can develop empathy, understanding, and appreciation for diversity.
- Explores Complex Themes: The novel tackles complex themes such as family dynamics, identity, resilience, and overcoming adversity. These themes resonate with students navigating their own challenges, making the story relatable and impactful. Through discussions and activities centered on these themes, teachers can facilitate meaningful reflections and personal growth.
- Promotes of Literacy and Language Skills: Out of My Heart offers rich language and literary elements that enhance students’ reading comprehension and analytical skills. Teachers can incorporate vocabulary-building exercises, literary analysis, and writing prompts inspired by the novel to strengthen students’ literacy abilities.
- Enhances Critical Thinking and Discussion: The novel’s thought-provoking storyline encourages critical thinking and analysis. Students can engage in discussions about ethical dilemmas, character motivations, and societal issues portrayed in the book. These discussions promote higher-order thinking skills and encourage students to articulate their thoughts and opinions effectively.
- Showcases Empowerment and Resilience: Through the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment, Out of My Heart inspires students to embrace their unique qualities and strengths. The story highlights the importance of resilience, courage, and self-acceptance, empowering students to navigate challenges with confidence and determination.
Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper is a valuable addition to any classroom curriculum. Its themes, diverse representation, and engaging narrative provide students with an enriching learning experience that fosters empathy, critical thinking, and personal growth. Incorporating this novel into your classroom can create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that resonates with students on multiple levels.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Out of My Heart, which includes informational WebQuests to learn more about Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Out of My Heart
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
You can also buy Out of My Mind and Out of My Heart bundled together at a discount!
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Click here or the image below to join my Facebook group, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank!
*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.
