Everyone Should Read This Book!

I find myself not so interested in reading heavy novels these days.  Honestly, I am just too tired come the end of the night to pick up a book and read a chapter or two.  But, I do so love reading to the children!  We belong to a homeschool book group where each month, we read a specific book, and then get together for some type of discussion and activity.  Thankfully with this group, there is lots of play!  For June, we were asked to read "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper

Within a few minutes of starting the first chapter, I was getting choked up and found the tears streaming down my face.  I find it so incredible how much differently you view the world once you become a parent.
The story itself is about a young girl growing up with cerebal palsy.  Intellectually, she is brilliant, but she is unable to communicate vocally with the world, and confined to a wheel chair.  Melody, the main character speaks and describes her world and the events that have taken place within the first eleven years of her life.

Sharon Draper whom herself raised a child with disabilities was able to write this story describing with such detail the thoughts and feelings of a child that many "professionals" treated with such disregard.  And, of loving parents and caregivers who helped, and pushed to give Melody the best life possible.

I know that many of us look away when we see someone with disabilities.  I think for most, there is an unsettled feeling as to how to act, and maybe some guilt that we might have it better or easier.  I think this book brought an awareness for my daughter of how someone with a disability feels when someone makes fun of, looks away, or ignores them.  And how it's okay to choose to be a friend.

The book specifically spoke about the equipment needed for someone that needs a wheelchair to get around, and of the special equipment available now for those who cannot speak on their own.  So incredible to know that with the push of one thumb or a finger, the whole world can be opened up for a person.  I'm not sure that all of our new technology is beneficial to society, but a "Medi- Talker", by all means YES!

If this book isn't required reading in public school, it should be!  I am so glad we took the time to read this very thought provoking story.  Many times we can blow through stories pretty quickly.  I found with this one, I needed time to digest, the readings.  I am glad we read it together so that we could discuss what was happening within each chapter, and help guide us through some very emotionally tough experiences for "Melody".

Additionally to the book, Sharon Draper has written a website with answers to questions about the book, and study guide information.  Sharon Draper.com - Out of My Mind

It is so interesting the things children take from a story.  I found our daughter busy one day designing a wheel chair for one of her dolls.  Glue gun, duct tape, cardboard, wooden beads, straws in hand and so excited! She had all sorts of ideas, and was so careful to make sure it had safety belts, and was comfortable for the rider.  It was fun to watch the design process take place.

This book might be identified for children ages 10 and up, but I think it is a must read for all.

Happy Reading!