Out of My Mind

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of ableism, illness, bullying, and animal death.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What did you think of the novel’s ending? Did you find it a satisfying conclusion to Melody’s character arc and the major themes? Why or why not?

2. Are you familiar with any of Draper’s other middle-grade novels, such as Double Dutch (2002) and Stella by Starlight (2015)? How does the author handle sensitive subjects in a manner that is accessible to young readers? What other similarities and differences do you notice in these works?

3. Have you read any other middle-grade books with protagonists who have disabilities, such as R. J. Palacio’s Wonder (2012) or Jamie Sumner’s Roll with It (2019)? Compare and contrast how the characters’ disabilities influence their experiences and the novels’ overall meaning.

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. What did you think of Melody’s perseverance in the face of her daily struggles? When have you had to demonstrate perseverance, and have these experiences challenged you to grow?