OUT OF MY MIND

OUT OF MY MIND by Sharon M. Draper

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper has been around for a few years, but it is new to me. I have chosen this moving book as one of my Top Picks for the year. This will definitely be added to my read-a-loud pile in the upcoming weeks.

Melody is an 11-year-old genius. The only problem is no one knows it. She has cerebral palsy, is in a wheelchair, and cannot speak or write. Because of this, she is in a class at school that teaches on a preschool level. That is until a piece of equipment is discovered that can give her a voice. Now there is no stopping her. The only problem - the rest of the school may not be ready for Melody and her new ability.

This powerful book helps us examine how we treat disabled individuals. Often times we make assumptions that if a person has a disability it affects their entire being. Sometimes this may be true, other times someone that has a physical limitation suffers no limitations in their mental capability and vice versa. We would always do well to step into a situation with a disabled person as expecting they understand what we are saying even if they may be unable to respond. Even if an individual has limited mental capabilities it is NEVER appropriate to speak about them in a negative manor while you are in their presence.

ALONGSIDE ACTIVITY- Teach your children how to respond when encountering people with disabilities. One thing that is important is to look at the person's face/eyes just as you would anyone else and not be caught up in the bodily differences. Encourage questions and discussion in a private setting with your child. Always remember ALL PEOPLE have eternal value and are created in the image of God.