About this episode

Brenna and Joe discuss Sharon Draper's 'Out Of My Mind', focusing on the story of a non-verbal girl with Cerebral Palsy and its unique take on disability.

Brenna and Joe check out Sharon Draper's Out Of My Mind (2010) about Melody, a non-verbal girl with Cerebral Palsy who wants to be able to communicate more than anything. Unlike so many other books about disability, however, this isn't a book about how Melody changes the world...and it's better for it! Plus: exceptional Middle Grade fiction; resisting the temptation of a fantasy ending; and garbage children and systemic barriers. Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on Instagram and BlueSky @HKHSPod or use the hashtag #HKHSPod: > Brenna: @brennacgray > Joe: @bstolemyremote (Instagram) or @joelipsett (BlueSky) Have a mail bag question? Email us at hkhspod@gmail.com  Theme music: Rewind Kid "Rhythm Revolution" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Brenna Clarke Gray, Joe Lipsett

Topics covered

• disability representation
• Middle Grade fiction
• communication challenges
• systemic barriers
• character development
• realistic endings

Keywords

• Cerebral Palsy
• non-verbal
• disability
• Middle Grade
• Sharon Draper
• communication
• realism
• fantasy endings

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Out of My Mind

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• Book: Finding Her Edge (2022) · May 12, 2026 · 21 min

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