Out of My Mind

In March, Ms. Leom started reading the novel, Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper to her homeroom.

The book is told in the first person (from the perspective of the main character), Melody. She was born with cerebral palsy. As a result, she is a quadriplegic without the ability to speak. When she is a fifth grader, she experiences two significant first experiences: inclusion (attending regular education classes) and finding her voice using technology. Melody is an intelligent girl, who describes her experiences, frustrations, and dreams as she is trapped within her body.

As our Milaca Elementary school actively strives to be a safe places for all students, with our Olweus curriculum, this perspective of a population that may not be able to speak for itself opens a discussion for us.

Ms. Leom read this book over Winter Break (Winter Break and summer are some of her best opportunities to catch up on newer literature!). She couldn't put it down, and she couldn't wait to share this book with her students!! You know it is well-written book when students beg to hear it, and the whole room quiets so you could hear a pin drop with anticipation when the reading begins.

Ask your fourth grader to share with you their thoughts about this book.