“We all have disabilities. What’s yours?” This is one of the most profound and truthful quotes from the amazing, Out of My Mind novel by Sharon M. Draper. I loved this book so much. It made me cry with joy, but it also broke my heart with how cruel humans can be. I also loved how the author brought it to a close in an unexpected way. I think your students will love it just as much, and encourage them to think about how they treat one another, especially those who are different than they are. This novel is a great book to use in the classroom, and I can’t recommend it enough!
As Melody is “let out of her mind” with the help of an electric wheelchair, technology, and school aides, she shows everyone how much was trapped within her for all these years. It is an inspiring story that stays true to the realities of just how cruel fifth-graders (and ignorant adults) can be when dealing with someone they don’t understand or have experiences with.
Why Out of My Mind is a great book to use in a novel study.
- Contains an Engaging Plot: The plot is engaging and will keep readers interested from start to finish. The story is not only emotionally compelling, but it also highlights the importance of inclusivity and empathy. As a result, it is an excellent book to study in the classroom as it can generate meaningful discussions.
- Strong Character Development: The main character Melody is a complex character with depth and dimension. As readers follow her journey, they will witness her growth and development as she navigates the challenges of living with a disability. Her story is relatable, and readers will find themselves rooting for her.
- Use of Literary Devices: Out of My Mind is rich with literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and imagery. The author also uses repetition and alliteration to create a rhythmic flow to the story. The use of these devices makes the book an excellent teaching tool for literary analysis and creative writing.
- Social Issues/Inclusivity: The novel addresses social issues such as inclusivity and empathy towards people with disabilities. The story challenges readers to think about how society treats individuals with disabilities and how we can make the world more inclusive for everyone. The book also touches on themes of perseverance, acceptance, and self-discovery.
- Accessibility to All Readers: The language used in the book is straightforward and easy to understand. It is accessible to readers of all levels, making it an excellent choice for younger readers or readers who are new to English.
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Try a free sample of the novel study for Out of My Mind
Out of My Mind should be a must-read for every fifth-grader to help enhance empathy and understanding for those different from us. We should all face the question, “We all have disabilities. What’s yours?” The engaging plot, complex characters, literary devices, social issues, and accessibility make it a perfect choice for a novel study, or to have in your classroom library.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Out of My Mind 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. It is a great book to use in your classroom or homeschool for a whole class novel study, small book groups, or individual book studies.
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
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