Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
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Out of My Mind
2025 Monthly Group Reads
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January Group Read Discussion: Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
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Happy New Year! Hopefully it's a year full of great reading!I hope to start this book in the next few days. In the meantime, some starter questions:
Have you read this book or author before?
Are you reading it for this prompt?
What are your expectations for this book? Do you think it will be easy or difficult to relate to a main character who is nonverbal?
I'm looking forward to reading this book!I have not read it before, but it's been on my book shelf for quite some time.
I am reading it for prompt #43 A book that includes a nonverbal character.
I don't really know what to expect. I have a student this year with selective mutism. I haven't heard him speak ever and not many people have. It's hard to work with him and help him. It would be great if I could better relate and/or understand ... I suspect he's smarter than his work shows.
AF wrote: "I'm looking forward to reading this book!I have not read it before, but it's been on my book shelf for quite some time.
Same! This was on my TBR since I found out the movie was coming out and I usually try to read the book before seeing the film version.
My son read this book last year in his 7th grade ELA class, and he said it made him feel more empathy for our daughter, who is 11 and is officially diagnosed as non-verbal Autistic. (She has intellectual disability, too, so not quite the same as Melody who I see from the summary has a high IQ and an eideitic memory). Just reading about how frustrated Melody is in her inability to say what she wants made him understand why his sister has meltdowns when we misunderstand what she is asking for.
My Sister In Law is an SLP and works with a lot of kids with selective mutism, and the thrill she gets when a child is able to just get out a single whispered word in a high stress situation makes her whole career worth it.
ETA the discussion questions for me to find easily later: 1) What, if any, expectations do you have for this book? I saw the movie and I know that there are some minor differences from the book, but I still expect to have a few "throw the book" moments at some of the adult characters.
2) Was this book already on your TBR listing? Yes. We have a paperback copy of this in our house already.
3) Are you reading this book for the express purpose of fulfilling this specific Popsugar prompt? I had planned a different book for this prompt, and I had planned to read this book last year for a prompt in a different challenge, but since I never got around to reading it last year, I'm now reading it for this prompt.
4) Do you find the title of this book to be particularly interesting?
Yes! It's so full of meaning! She's being "driven out of her mind" by the frustration at the limitations of her body and by other people's expectations of her abilities. It also conveys that she has thoughts she wants to share with the wider world.
5) What about the cover image? Does it motivate you to read this book?
Or does it make you hesitate to read it?
That fish leaping out of the bowl (the safe but stifling environment) definitely adds to the meaning of the title. It also reminds me of the expression about judging a fish by its ability to climb a tree.
6) Do you typically read books in this genre/subgenre?
(e.g. Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction Mystery…)
I rarely read middle school fiction any more.
7) Is the overall theme of this book of particular interest to you?
Somewhat. As I said above, I have a non-verbal Autistic daughter. I'm curious about how the author did her research into what it's like to be a non-verbal person.
8) Which character is your favorite character? Why?
9) Is there any one character with whom you can identify? Why?
10) Is there any one character you find to be particularly annoying? Why?
11) Is there a character you believe is “too good to be true”? Why?
12) Is there a character who seems to be purely evil or mean? Why?
13) Is there a character you would like to have as your best friend? Why?
14) Is there one character who reminds you of someone you know in real life? In a good way or in a bad way?
15) Is there one character you would go to great lengths to avoid? Why?
16) Did the plot work for you? Was it too slow-paced or too intense? Or just right?
17) Have you read any other books written by this same author? Did you enjoy it/them?
18) Would you read any other books written by this author in the future? Why or why not?
19) Do you find this author's writing style to be enjoyable or problematic? Why?
20) Do you know or have you heard anything specific about this author? Does that make you want to read this book more? Or less?
21) Would you like to see this book adapted into a movie or TV series? If so, are there any particular actors you would select for the roles?
22) Would you plan to watch an adaptation of this book?
23) If there is already a movie or TV series that was inspired by this book, have you watched it? Did you enjoy it?
24) Did the plot feel realistic, or did it require too much ‘suspension of disbelief’?
25) What do you think inspired the author to write this book?
26) Would you recommend this book to others? Why? Or, if not, why not?
27) Are there any trigger warnings you would list for this book? (Please use spoilers.)
Have you read this book or author before? NoAre you reading it for this prompt? Yes
What are your expectations for this book? Do you think it will be easy or difficult to relate to a main character who is nonverbal?
I was not super excited to read this book. It's not really my preferred genre. This year I decided to try and read more out of my comfort zone.
I finished the book yesterday and I am still trying to gather my thoughts on how I felt about this book. Perhaps I can add to this if I can put my chaotic thoughts into something that makes sense.
I disliked the beginning. I really was not sure if I would be able to finish it. I am glad I kept going with it because I did begin to enjoy the book about halfway-ish through it. I'm considering reading the next two books in the series.
I read the first 3 chapters before I'm heading to bed. I'm already so frustrated for Melody!I've never read this or anything else by this author. I have to admit, that this book was only kind of peripherally on my radar because of the cover. I like it, and it's unique and has stuck with me since I first saw it whenever that may have been.
I probably will use it for the nonverbal prompt, but I shift things around if needed.
I don't think it'll be hard to relate to her, but I think it'll be frustrating. I don't have much experience with people who are nonverbal or even limited in speech, so this will be a different experience for me.
Mod
No to both.
Are you reading it for this prompt?
Yes, I am. Though I have owned a copy for years...
What are your expectations for this book? Do you think it will be easy or difficult to relate to a main character who is nonverbal?
I trust Draper will make it easy to relate to the MC and her challenges. I cannot even imagine how frustrating life would be if I had very little physical mobility AND could not communicate verbally.
I'm going to start this next week. A teacher friend of mine recommended it as she uses it for her 4th grade class I they love it. Then another member said her son read it in class so I am really curious now. That it meets a prompt is a bonus. The son enjoyed the movie also. There is also a sequel
Mod
Definitely hoping to read more of Draper's writing!
Have you read this book or author before?No. I just bought it and will start it later this eveningAre you reading it for this prompt? # 43, a nonverbal character
What are your expectations for this book? Do you think it will be easy or difficult to relate to a main character who is nonverbal? I was hoping the MC was the goldfish, that was a bit disappointing. I think it will be interesting to see how Ms Draper does this. It sounds fascinating.
Have you read this book or author before?No, I've not read anything by this author.
Are you reading it for this prompt?
Yep! I'm always excited to discover new books through these prompts, and the group read helps me do that.
What are your expectations for this book? Do you think it will be easy or difficult to relate to a main character
who is nonverbal?
I'm several chapters in and enjoying it so far. I think it will be a pretty easy read. It's also easy to relate to the main character, as I can read her thoughts, though it's also easy to see how she can easily be misunderstood by those around her, since she can't say what she's thinking or feeling. I really can't imagine how frustrating that would be, but it really makes sense why she, and other kids with disabilities, would act out and scream. I probably would too in their situation.
I'm up to chapter 8. What do you think of the people around Melody? The kids in her class? Mrs. V? Her mom?I think her mom is the strongest character I've encountered in a while in a book. (view spoiler)
The chapter on Mrs. V. was also interesting. (view spoiler)
Up to chapter 11. Several things have happened in the last few chapters.(view spoiler)
I'm not really sure where I think this story is going. A guess: (view spoiler) I'm not sure, but I'm enjoying Melody's company.
Read a little bit more today. Melody's been mainstreamed. What do you think of her new classmates? What do you think about how Rose behaved at the aquarium?
Rose is definitely struggling with how to be friends with Melody. And we need to give her a little bit of grace especially at the start. She's trying, but doesn't know how to stand up to peer pressure (perceived or actual). She's beautifully flawed.How lucky Melody and her family are to be next door neighbors with Ms V!
I agree completely about Rose, AF. I loved how the music teacher responded to those two girls.
I've finished it. I wasn't excited about reading this but it had quite an effect on me. I used to work in a rehab center for disabled adults. Many had CP, some were quadriplegic with spinal injuries. So, this made me hope that I always treated them, all of them, with my full attention but being in a workplace environment there are all sorts of distractions. Anyway, they were great. So, about Melody, she's incredible. The author clearly has a lot of experience in the field and the characters are well-developed and well-written.
24) Did the plot feel realistic, or did it require too much ‘suspension of disbelief’? I thought it was very realistic. One thing bothered me: when Melody's goldfish jumped out of the bowl and her mom thought Melody was making a mess for no reason: Melody could read then. She should have had an alphabet board to be able to communicate by either pointing to letters herself or someone else pointing to letters for her. It was frustrating that she couldn't communicate. Just imagine. Also, Melody says it's so complicated to put her and her chair in the car. Honestly, it's not that difficult especially when you're used to it. I've never had to do that while I was trying to get to work though.
I don't know how to do spoilers. You should probably stop reading here if you haven't finished it.
(view spoiler)
Kate wrote: "I've finished it. I wasn't excited about reading this but it had quite an effect on me. I used to work in a rehab center for disabled adults. Many had CP, some were quadriplegic with spinal injurie..."I haven't finished yet but the part about the fish and her communication board bothered me too. I figured it was just an editing error.
I kind of figured it would be too hard to explain, going one letter at a time. Plus, she was upset about the fish and then angry at her mom. I didn't know why she never told her parents that she named him Ollie. Though now I can't remember how old she was at that point, maybe too young to spell?
I finished! What an excellent book! I like how it ended. Did you? (view spoiler)Did you find the characters believable? If any weren't why not?
Will you read more by this author?
This book is aimed at Middle Grade readers, 9-12 (ish). Would you agree that is a good age range for this book? Why or why not?
Finished yesterday:1) What, if any, expectations do you have for this book?
It was recommended by a couple of teacher friends so I knew the gist of it so none
2) Was this book already on your TBR listing?
Yes but only for a month before it became a BOTM (see #1)
3) Are you reading this book for the express purpose of fulfilling this specific Popsugar prompt?
No. It was recommended by some teacher friends and is used in my local school district in 4th grade. So I decided to check it out, then it became a BOTM and a prompt
4) Do you find the title of this book to be particularly interesting?
I did, and I was satisfied at the explanation. If I (view spoiler)
5) What about the cover image? Does it motivate you to read this book?
Or does it make you hesitate to read it?
Neither. I was curious about where the flying fish came from but it did not affect the motivation to read it
6) Do you typically read books in this genre/subgenre?
(e.g. Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction Mystery…)
Occasionally based on recommendation or if a challenge prompt asks for children's/YA
7) Is the overall theme of this book of particular interest to you?
Yes. I am a teacher an I am interested in how inclusion looks for different kids, and how to balance the confidentiality of mainstreamed students while also giving them the accommodations they need, and getting other kids to accept them. Most do not disabilities as obvious as Melody and it's tricky. The majority of my inclusion students have had "invisible" disabilities (usually visual or auditory processing or ADHD). The only "obvious" ones have been 2-3 with hearing aids and 2-3 with vision in only one eye
8) Which character is your favorite character? Why?
Melody of course. But beyond her, Mrs. V. What a fantastic advocate.
9) Is there any one character with whom you can identify? Why?
I don't feel i identified with any of them
10) Is there any one character you find to be particularly annoying? Why?
Claire. She was very realistic but that does not mean her self-serving attitude less annoying
11) Is there a character you believe is “too good to be true”? Why?
Maybe the above-mentioned Mrs. V? The parents show their tiredness and frustration sometimes which is is real. Mrs. V seems to have those kids more than the parents at times and she never loses her cool.
12) Is there a character who seems to be purely evil or mean? Why?
I don't think so. Claire is mean, and so is Molly, but they are 11 and are trying to navigate a situation they are unfamiliar with. It was realistic that they thought Catherine was giving her answers and would be angry at that. It was awful that they left Melody behind...but they are kids and are trying to navigate the social world too. What kid that age is not concerned hoe they look being with the wheelchair girl? It's wrong and mean but it's human. I dont think they are purely mean
13) Is there a character you would like to have as your best friend? Why?
Not really
14) Is there one character who reminds you of someone you know in real life? In a good way or in a bad way?
Not really
15) Is there one character you would go to great lengths to avoid? Why?
Claire? I have kids like her in my class and I can;t avoid them but I'd like to
16) Did the plot work for you? Was it too slow-paced or too intense? Or just right?
I thought it was fine. I read the book in 2-3 large chunks
17) Have you read any other books written by this same author? Did you enjoy it/them?
No
18) Would you read any other books written by this author in the future? Why or why not?
Yes, I'd like to read date sequels and see where Melody goes
19) Do you find this author's writing style to be enjoyable or problematic? Why?
Hard to judge since its a children's book
20) Do you know or have you heard anything specific about this author? Does that make you want to read this book more? Or less?
No
21) Would you like to see this book adapted into a movie or TV series? If so, are there any particular actors you would select for the roles?
It has been and Melody is played by a girl with CP
22) Would you plan to watch an adaptation of this book?
sure
23) If there is already a movie or TV series that was inspired by this book, have you watched it? Did you enjoy it?
Not yet
24) Did the plot feel realistic, or did it require too much ‘suspension of disbelief’?
I thought there were parts that were unrealistic but it has to hold the attention of the young audience so they were forgivable
25) What do you think inspired the author to write this book?
I believe that the author has experience in the field and wants to bring awareness to youngsters that kids like Melody need friends too
26) Would you recommend this book to others? Why? Or, if not, why not?
yes, especially young impressionable kids who need to learn to be nice to others. My teacher fiends say the book brings a lot of discussion--and tears.. to their classes
27) Are there any trigger warnings you would list for this book? (Please use spoilers.)
no
Jennifer W wrote: "I kind of figured it would be too hard to explain, going one letter at a time. Plus, she was upset about the fish and then angry at her mom. I didn't know why she never told her parents that she na..."Not too young to spell, because she's hyperlexic and has eidetic memory. I have hyperlexia (it used to be called precocious reading) and I could spell words even if I didn't really have a full understanding of the definition at a very young age.
I feel this is just a case of the adults not bothering to ask her, not because she's disabled, but because she's a kid.
I finished this book a few days ago and am just happy to report that I am off to a good start this year! In the past, I could never keep up! But I loved this book and am so happy this challenge prompted me to read it.
Kristy wrote: "Jennifer W wrote: "I kind of figured it would be too hard to explain, going one letter at a time. Plus, she was upset about the fish and then angry at her mom. I didn't know why she never told her ..."Yeah, I was reaching. :)
National Dress Up Your Pet Day is January 14, 2025
Gratitude to Jennifer W for volunteering to facilitate this first 2025 Monthly Group Read discussion! Thank you so much! 👏👏👏👏👏👏🎇🎉🎊
HERE is a listing of potential discussion questions. These are meant to not only help those who volunteer to facilitate these monthly discussions but also to provide ideas for members participating in discussions!
Every person reads at a different pace, so please use spoiler tags if you are sharing any plot-related surprises. This allows others to decide whether this information might reveal surprising information they have not yet read. It can also be helpful to other readers if you post the location within the book noting your progress (chapter and/or page number). That way, if someone else has read that far they can go ahead and open the spoiler, but if not, they'll know to skip it for now and return later...
TO ADD SPOILER TAGS:
Use this for spoilers, just remove the spaces:
< spoiler > write your spoiler here and close with < / spoiler >
Posts here should only be contributions to discussion about this book. 😊