"Out Of My Mind," by S. M. Draper, study guide and test

"Out Of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper is a teen issues book that zeros in on the pain of being a special needs student in our schools today. Melody is an 11 year old female and can not walk, feed herself, write or speak words; yet is gifted and talented. Everything she hears she remembers. She has a photographic memory, and is beside herself because she cannot communicate. She attends school but is in a special needs classroom that does the same lesson over and over again. Melody is about to go out of her mind. She likens herself to her pet goldfish who swims around and around and around in the tiny bowl day after day after day and nothing ever changes. BUT one day she discovers a device that allows her to 'speak' for the very first time. She can communicate her thoughts, ideas, wants, and needs. She is put in inclusion classes which allows her to feel 'normal' for the very first time. However, with inclusion comes the stares and mocking of some middle school children. This is an excellent book for any bullying unit to sensitize students to the needs/thoughts/feelings of special education students that are in ALL our midsts. This is a first-person narrative where readers hear all her thoughts, fears and wants, but most important we are privy to her great intelligence and observations about the world around her. Melody is a brave little 5th grader who will inspire growth and sensitivity in all readers. (Feedback about this item is really appreciated, and I invite you to become a follower to receive notices of FREEBIES, SALES and new products posted), Thank You!!!