Name:
Annie Sullivan Middle School
Summer Reading Assignment
English Language Arts – Incoming Grade 6
Out of My Mind
By: Sharon Draper
Out of My Mind is about an eleven-year-old girl named Melody who has a photographic memory. She is the smartest kid in her entire school, but nobody knows this because Melody can’t talk. She was born with Cerebral Palsy, and she is unable to speak, write, or walk. She wants more than anything to communicate with her family, teachers, and classmates. When Melody finally discovers a way to speak for the first time, the result is not exactly as she expected it would be. While you read, you will be asked to reflect on Melody’s challenges throughout the novel. Take the time to reflect as you read and enjoy this wonderful book!
Directions: On a separate piece of paper, answer each of these reflection questions in complete sentences, using details to support your answers and thoughts. These reflections will be collected during the first week of school.
Please contact Mrs. Welshoff () or Mrs. McCormick () if you have any questions!
1. After reading Chapters 1-10:§ Describe how Melody’s parents communicate with Melody and help her overcome everyday problems. Are their efforts to help her always successful? Why/why not?
§ What is your opinion of Mrs. V.? Do you think she is a positive influence in Melody’s life?
2. After reading Chapters 11-21:
§ How does the inclusion program change Melody’s school experiences? Describe both positive and negative results of the program.
§ How does Melody’s computer change her everyday life? Why does she name it Elvira?
3. After finishing the novel:
§ Why do you think the first page is repeated at the end of the book? How has Melody changed personally and socially from the beginning of the book to the end?
§ How might this book have been different if had been written from a different point of view (third person, from the point of view of Melody’s parents, etc.) Why do you think the author chose to write it from Melody’s point of view?