Out of My Mind

Melody is a unique, 10-year-old girl who loves words and music. When she hears a song, she feels a color. When she sees an action, she sometimes hears a song. When it's time for school, she goes with other kids like her—or at least that's what she's told. She has cerebral palsy, leaving her no control over her own body other than her thumbs. She doesn't see herself being any different from other kids mentally; but physically, she's confined to a motorized wheelchair. She may not walk, talk, or even eat on her own, but she sure is smart! She has a photographic memory in which she stores her memories, songs, and many thousands of words. She has so much to say with no way of saying it—until...

Melody meets Mrs. V, the next-door neighbor, who is a nurse that loves to help people. Ever since Melody was a baby, she loved to spend time with her. Mrs. V knows that Melody is smart, so she sets out to prove just how smart she really is. When Mrs. V learns of a machine that can speak for people, she feels like it just might help Melody. Maybe people will finally be able to understand her. Maybe the school will let her attend normal classes where she can actually progress in education like other kids her age. She just wants her words to be let “out of her mind." This New York Times best seller is such an eye-opening and inspiring novel to anyone of any age willing to listen. The back of the book includes 10 reading group discussion topics. 295 pgs, pb.