Out of My Heart
by Sharon M. Draper
read by Sisi Aisha Johnson
Simon & Schuster Audio, 2021. 7 hours, 21 minutes.
Review written October 12, 2024, from a library eaudiobook.
Starred Review
I’ve long intended to read this sequel to the brilliant Out of My Mind, and finally placed a hold on the audiobook when I heard that a third book is out. Took me long enough! But I’m so glad I finally did listen to this story.
Once again, we’re spending time with Melody, a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy. In the first book, she learned to talk at last with the help of a machine, and instead of being in the class for kids with mental difficulties, got moved to the regular class and won a place on the quiz team. But that book had a sad thing happen at the end.
I’m happy to report that this book is only happy for Melody. She goes to camp! It’s a camp specifically for kids with special needs, and Melody gets to swim, paint, ride on a boat, swing on swings, ride a zipline, ride a horse, and even dance. She makes firm friendships with the three other girls in her cabin and even with a boy in another cabin.
Yes, there are adventures and small setbacks, but this is a happy book, all about Melody getting to do lots of things for the very first time that many would say are a normal part of childhood. It made me happy to read it and also wonder about how many experiences like that are available to kids like Melody. It’s a lovely story, well-told.
Find this review on Sonderbooks at: www.sonderbooks.com/Childrens_Fiction/out_of_my_heart.html
Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.
Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.
What did you think of this book?