Video of the Week: Sharon Draper talks about Out of My Mind

Out of My Mind gives a voice to those who otherwise lack one. Sharon Draper highlights Melody’s struggle and allows the reader to focus on her abilities, rather than her disabilities. You cannot help but pause and consider how you have unintentionally treated those who may face a similar struggle. Out of My Mind is difficult to get out of your mind. It changes the way you think about those differently-abled. (Travis and I named it one of the best books of 2010.)

Browse inside Out of My Mind.

Dr. Sharon Draper is a former high school teacher and the 1997 National Teacher of the Year. She provides detailed study guides for each of her books. Download the Out of My Mind guide.

Sharon Draper reads the first chapter of Out of My Mind.

The Sassy series is popular with my third through fifth graders.

"The loss of any library pains me." -Sharon Draper

Sharon talks about the "Draper Paper."

Borrow Out of My Mind from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.