A stewardess offers champagne to passengers, which some adults presumably drink. Characters get fish and chips from a pub, but do not consume alcohol there.
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Educational content gets a ton of play in this book. The characters' curiosity compels them to find out more about everything they encounter. Melody, the main character, is confident about her intellectual abilities, which fuel her ability to take risks. Characters go to museums, see plays that they have read, visit places they've read about in books. Brilliant people come together in this book to put their heads together to solve big problems.
Positive Messages
a lot
Be curious about the world around you. Don't let challenges keep you from achieving your dreams. Take action when action is needed. Be courageous. Help others. Notice what's around you. Don't give up. Find the people who understand you. Don't be discouraged. Help others. Let people help you. Speak up. Don't worry about being perfect. Have integrity and grace. Trust people who are trustworthy. Follow your dreams. What you do is important. Don't let your fears overshadow your dreams.
Positive Role Models
a lot
The main character, Melody, is an in outstanding role model who perseveres in all of her endeavors. She's dependent on people to feed her, clothe her, and toilet her. She knows from experience that bullies take no prisoners, and conversely, that if you find the right people to love and respect you, everything feels better. As an intelligent kid who can't speak without the help of a computer, she sees people making assumptions about her intellectual abilities and her personality. She's generous and kind, but she won't suffer fools. Her parents are loving, patient, and hard workers. Her neighbor, Mrs. V, encourages her to live her dreams, and supports her in a physical, emotional, and spiritual manner.
Diverse Representations
a lot
Diversity is a mainstay of this book, beginning with the main character herself. Her own racial background isn't specified in this book, though her neighbors and acquaintances are a diverse bunch. She's wheelchair bound and her needs shape much of what people assume to be her identity. Some of the book takes place in England, where many people present as White, but there are many representations of people who have different cultural, racial, and ability backgrounds.
Parents need to know that Out of My Dreams is the third book in a series written by Coretta Scott King recipient, Sharon M. Draper, about an extraordinary girl named Melody who takes life-saving action when she notices a neighbor in grave danger and then gets the opportunity of a lifetime. As in the other books of the series (Out of My Mindand Out of My Heart) this book features great role models who promote disability rights, social justice and who show curiosity, acceptance, courage, and neighborly love.
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What's the Story?
In OUT OF MY DREAMS, preteen Melody Brooks wakes up to a grey Ohio morning and waits for her mom to come get her ready for the day. Melody depends on her parents and loved ones to help her do a lot; she's a kid with Cerebral Palsy, which affects her ability to control her muscles. Her mind, however, is very much functional, racing curiously from one topic to another. When she notices something going wrong with her neighbor, from her wheelchair, she's able to take action that saves her neighbor's life. The neighbor, in turn, nominates Melody to speak at a conference for differently abled kids—in London! And she gets to bring two friends! But communicating isn't easy for Melody. Will she be able to do what she came to London to do?
With an emotional range that takes readers to great heights, this book inspires compassion, while packing an educational punch. Unlikely hero, Melody Brooks, shines in Out of My Dreams, especially when she defies expectations over and over. Some of the educational sidebars feel like lists rather than plot-devices, but the ending of this book is a triumph. Fans of Melody's adventures in the first two books will enjoy this satisfying installment to the series. Here's a lovable hero who shows readers that unexpected rewards can come to those who simply do the right thing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about curiosity in Out of My Dreams. How does Melody's curiosity drive her ambitions? When have you been rewarded for your curiosity?
Communication doesn't come easily for Melody—she relies on a machine to help her speak. How can you improve your communication skills? What would that change for you?
Melody has to dig deep to find the courage to speak in front of her peers. What takes you a lot of courage to do?
Available on:
Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
Last updated:
September 17, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Joly Herman
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