Out of My Mind
by Sharon M. Draper
- Lexile
- 700L
- Grade range
- Grades 4–7
- Age range
- Ages 9–13
- Pages
- 295
- First published
- 2010
- Genre
- Middle Grade Fiction
- ISBN-13
- 9781416971719
About this book
Melody, an 11-year-old with cerebral palsy and a photographic memory, cannot walk or speak but acquires a communication device and changes how her classmates see her. Draper's novel is widely assigned in 4th-6th grade disability-awareness units.
Themes
- disability
- inclusion
- intelligence
- friendship
- family
Content notes
- bullying
- ableism
Common Sense Media recommends age 10+.
Where this book is assigned
Common Core State Standards (ELA)
- recommended· 5th gradesource: CCSS ELA Appendix B contemporary addition
- recommended· 6th gradesource: CCSS ELA Appendix B, grades 6-8 exemplar
Similar grade-level books
Common questions
- What grade level is Out of My Mind?
- Out of My Mind is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 4–7, with a Lexile measure of 700L. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.
- What is the Lexile level of Out of My Mind?
- Out of My Mind has a Lexile measure of 700L according to MetaMetrics. Lexile measures text complexity, not content maturity — check the grade range and content notes separately for age-appropriateness.
- What curricula assign Out of My Mind?
- Out of My Mind appears on reading lists for Common Core State Standards (ELA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.
- Is Out of My Mind banned in schools?
- Out of My Mind does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.
- What themes does Out of My Mind explore?
- Central themes in Out of My Mind include disability, inclusion, intelligence, friendship, family. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.