Out of my Mind

My daughter just finished the book she shared with all of you, Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper.  She's passed it on to me because "It's sooooo good!" and I'm about 1/2 way through the novel.  

I did a quick search on the novel as was pleased to see this book is a National Best-Seller.  I also found out Draper is a two-time Correta Scott King award recipient, which recognizes outstanding African American authors and illustrators who write for a youth audience.  Pretty cool!  

I found this book a nice compliment to Wonder, and believe both of these books will forever change how we all look at anyone with a disability.  

The main character, Melany has cerebral palsy. But she also has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She’s the smartest kid in her whole school, but NO ONE knows it. Most people—her teachers, her doctors, her classmates—dismiss her as mentally challenged because she can’t tell them otherwise. 

I'm finding myself torn between the shock of her mistreatment and the shock of facing any personal biases I might have unconsciously shared towards other with disabilities.  Our brains make incredibly quick judgments and assessments of people and situations without us realizing it.  This is something we all must continually work on.  

This title is so appropriate as the main character is going out of her mind trying to let others know she is more than her disability.  But, the author wrote this story in such a way that we are not to feel sorry for Melany-- Melany does not feel sorry for herself.  She sees beauty in this world.  

I can't help but feel great proudness of my daughter, Alice, while reading this book.  She is the most giving and loving child I know.  She works with a boy who has cerebral palsy at school, giving up her recess 2x/week to spend time him, and it is the highlight of her day.  She is not afraid to stand up for others and she's the first to befriend someone who is outcasted.  I am thankful for books like Out of my Mind and Wonder that raise awareness and generate critical discussions at home and school to promote social justice.  

This book provides a way for us to give ourselves a reality check.  When we see someone with a disability--let's not look away.  Let's not pretend we don't see or don't know what to say. Instead, let's just smile and say hello!