Out of My Mind
Book by Sharon M. Draper, Presentation by Ciarra Hardtke
Characterization
"Well, I'm ready if she messes up," Molly whispers back
I just shake my head and think, delete, delete, delete. No way am I letting their negativity mess me up."
This shows how much Melody wants to win and how strong she is.
"I cried. Huge, sobbing tears. I grabbed at Mom's arm once more, but all she did was shake my arm away. I shrieked, I screeched, I yelled. The rain poured. The thunder roared. Slowly, the big car rolled backward. I felt the soft thud. I became deadly silent. Mom stopped, turning her head slowly to the left. She got out of the car. She looked down. She screamed for a long long time." This shows how Melody is limited, because she could have prevented the accident if she could talk.
Figurative Language
"She screeches like a blue jay when she laughs." This helps you not only hear the sound of one of Melody's classmates laughter, but it also shows the characters personality.
"I'd like to sing like the cowardly lion and dance like the tin man." This shows Melody's longing to be like everyone else, and be able to do everything everyone else can do.
Theme
Most people judge Melody by her appearance. Since she has cerebral palsy, she does look a little different. This however, doesn't effect how she is on the inside, still not many people choose to look beyond her appearance. This is how Melody shocks them all when she makes the schools academic team, but not everyone is happy for her... Melody must decide if she will let their assumptions get to her, or if she will rise above them and lead her team to victory.