96 pages • 3 hours read •
Out of My Mind
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Summary
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
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BetaBook Club Questions
General Impressions
Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of ableism, illness, bullying, and animal death.
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. What did you think of the novel’s ending? Did you find it a satisfying conclusion to Melody’s character arc and the major themes? Why or why not?
2. Are you familiar with any of Draper’s other middle grade novels, such as Double Dutch (2002) and Stella by Starlight (2015)? How does the author handle sensitive subjects in a manner that is accessible to young readers? What other similarities and differences do you notice in these works?
3. Have you read any other middle grade books with protagonists who have disabilities, such as R. J. Palacio’s Wonder (2012) or Jamie Sumner’s Roll with It (2019)? Compare and contrast how the characters’ disabilities influence their experiences and the novels’ overall meaning.
Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
1. What did you think of Melody’s perseverance in the face of her daily struggles? When have you had to demonstrate perseverance, and have these experiences challenged you to grow?
2. Melody has to take two quizzes before Mr. Dimming acknowledges that he underestimated her intelligence. Has there ever been a time when someone stereotyped or underestimated you? How did you respond?
3. Mrs. V plays an important role in the development of Melody’s self-acceptance. Within your own life, who has mentored you and/or encouraged you to embrace your authentic self? How is your life different thanks to knowing them?
4. Does Melody’s story give you a new appreciation of the importance of communication? If so, how and why?
Societal and Cultural Context
Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.
1. Melody experiences bullying, exclusion, and ableist prejudice from adults and children alike. How does her story confront society’s ableist attitudes, and how might it resonate with individuals with disabilities? What can be done to foster greater equity and inclusion for students with disabilities?
2. Consider how Melody’s cerebral palsy necessitates that she sometimes rely on others. In what ways might the novel be critiquing individualistic societies?
Literary Analysis
Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.
1. How does Melody’s attitude toward inclusion shift over the course of the novel? What moments contribute to this shift? By the end of the novel, how has the protagonist learned to accept herself rather than seek the acceptance of others?
2. How do tools like the conversation board and the Medi-Talk Computer advance the theme of the importance of words? How do Melody’s efforts to be understood illustrate the importance of communication?
3. How does Ollie the goldfish serve as a symbol of Melody’s life? What does the fish’s death signify?
4. What does the Whiz Kids trophy symbolize? How does Melody’s decision to break the trophy shape her characterization, the novel’s resolution, and the theme of inclusion versus self-acceptance?
Creative Engagement
Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.
1. Melody is often unable to communicate as she wishes to. Create a playlist that captures the emotions and experiences she wants to express.
2. The Whiz Kids competition is one of Melody’s main interests. Write a set of quiz questions based on the novel. Try to formulate questions that require higher-order thinking skills rather than basic recall. For example, you could prompt deeper reflection by asking, “Why does Ollie symbolize Melody’s life?” rather than, “What is the name of Melody’s goldfish?” Once you have your questions, quiz each other to test your Whiz Kid chops.
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By Sharon M. Draper
