Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom—the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she’s determined to let everyone know it—somehow. (Synopsis credit from Goodreads)

Out of My Mind is a stunning middle grade contemporary with an intriguing look into the world of a girl who is endlessly seen for merely her condition, and entirely unheard by many of those around her. I listened to the audiobook of this novel, read by Sisi Aisha Johnson. And even though, as you know, I almost exclusively read YA novels, with a touch of adult fiction here and there, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, even though it was a lot lighter than my usual fiction.

“Everybody uses words to express themselves. Except me. And I bet most people don’t realize the real power of words. But I do. Thoughts need words. Words need a voice.”

What I Liked

11-year-old Melody has such a strong character voice–she’s witty and smart, kind and fierce all at once. She can’t talk, so we hear her purest thoughts–and they’re a riot. The narrator, Johnson, brings this world to life, with definitive voices for each and every character–to her bold neighbor, Ms. V, to class clown Connor, soft rose, and the shining star of the show, Melody. I recently watched the movie adaptation, and I honestly can’t decide which I like better. This audiobook had such life in every sentence, every paragraph, every person. Even though it didn’t have the high-stakes plot of a murder or a daring ball like some of my usual YA reads, I was hooked throughout the novel. Draper crafts characters with such humanity and spark, and real connection to each other, that you want them to succeed. You want Melody to be heard. You want her to win and thrive. You want your ‘happily ever after’ ending. (But come on, this is an award-winning novel. It’s never that easy.)

“We all have disabilities. What’s yours?”

What I Disliked

I think there was less that I disliked about this novel, and more that I noticed was inaccurate based on other people’s reviews. Many readers on Goodreads, including readers who were disabled people’s advocates, parents of disabled people/people with CP, or overall those who have more experience with CP and synesthesia, have spoken about how there are quite a few inconsistencies in this novel. One reviewer for the second book, Out of My Heart, said Melody’s synesthesia was merely used as a plot device, when it would be cool and interesting. And I noticed that in this novel as well. It was sparse and far between, almost used as a reminder that she has two disabilities instead of just one? While I don’t have synesthesia, I’ve always been interested in in, after reading about a few characters with the condition. Honestly, I think the book may have been stronger without this addition, but if anyone with synesthesia is reading this, let me know your thoughts on it.

Other readers have also mentioned how outdated this book is. And yeah, it was published in 2010. Draper uses a lot of older slang, and according to some reviewers, some elements of the school setting were inaccurate as well.

For the school aspect, as a homeschooler, most inaccuracies probably went over my head. As for the outdated slang… it didn’t really take me out of the story. It was funky. It felt poppish and intriguing, like Melody’s story. It fit her voice, and it didn’t take me out of the story. Sure, it’s way outdated for today’s time, and I don’t know how kids talked in the 2010’s. But with the themes of the story and the emotional ride we go on with Melody, it feels like a small issue on the grand scheme of things. I suppose this critique is subjective to the reader.

“What your body looks like has nothing to do with how well your brain works!”

Content Warnings

Honestly, this book is very tame. Pregnancy, mentions of car accident, death of a pet is all I can think of.

“Put yourself in Melody’s chair. Write a paper that tells what it would be like to be Melody for one day. Write about your feelings and frustrations.”

Conclusion

This is a really fun and interesting novel. Melody offers us a chance to step into someone else’s shoes–or chair–and see from a perspective you may never have previously pondered. While according to some readers, the settings and some elements has some inaccurate elements, this award-winning bestseller can be a great read for readers of all ages looking for a light-hearted, humorous read with a spunky main character living life outside of the norm. I highly recommend the audiobook version, it was a joy to listen to.

I rate Out of My Mind 4 out of 5 stars, for readers 9+ and fans of new perspectives and audiobooks the entire family can enjoy.