Out of My Dreams

Out of My Mind #3

by Sharon M. Draper

Melody flies to London to speak at a convention about differently abled kids.

When Melody saves an elderly back-in-the-day actress’s life, the woman is so grateful—and impressed by Melody—that she nominates Melody to be a U.S. spokesperson at an international symposium for kids with different abilities.

To Melody’s utter shock and delight, she and two friends of her choice are chosen to participate—and this year’s symposium is in England!

Melody finally gets to fly on an airplane, and even the airline’s somewhat clumsy handling of her wheelchair can’t dampen her excitement to be in London. There, Melody meets kids from all over the world who are rallying for greater accessibility and more thoughtful planning on how to make the world more equal for every kid, no matter the unusual challenges they face.

As Melody’s time to speak approaches, she hopes she can find a way to make every word count and make an impact.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Disability, Audiobook, Contemporary, Young Adult

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2024

About the author

Sharon M. Draper is a professional educator as well as an accomplished writer. She has been honored as the National Teacher of the Year, is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Award, and is a New York Times bestselling author. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

It was wonderful to spend time in Melody's world again and was excited to see the next book in the series. The story line was very neat, with some standard challenges thrown in to the mix providing a softer experience. I felt a lack of depth in comparison to 'Out of My Mind' as I loved this book so much, it was a solid opening.

Melody has made her way to London after an amazing effort using her assisted speech device to save a an elderly neighbour in distress. Strangely her parents didn't (or couldn't) take the time out of their schedules to accompany her on the trip, which was in contrast to her father's almost controlling tendencies at camp time, almost refusing her chance to do something for herself.

I think this story felt targeted to a younger audience with the heart of the story being a more straightforward narrative. Like other readers I noticed a quick ending as the audio stopped, I was surprised. The narration wasn't great either, the English accents a little unbelievable. Definitely aimed at a younger audience, with a lot of things falling easily in to place, while still being an evocative rendition of what it’s like to be a young girl full of hopes and dreams and being able live them out despite of her physical limitations. Anything is possible!

The trip around London conveyed a lot about the London cliches centered around food, landmarks and the difference between American and English ways of life and sayings. I liked hearing from Melody again and was so excited, but this wasn't my favourite from the series.

I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.

[Jennifer Mangler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Underwhelming. It's still nice to spend time with Melody, and it was interesting to see what international travel would be like for her. But a lot of the conversations and situations felt unreal in a way that the first two books never did. It ended very abruptly, which kind of leaves the reader hanging.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the third book in the series, this story leaves me feeling seriously underwhelmed. The premise of the book, or what I thought was the premise, was that Melody saves an elderly neighbor and is the invited to an international symposium for kids with disabilities, but the first 75% of the book is her sightseeing around London. The actual part where Melody gets to the symposium is over so quickly that it felt like an add-on at the last minute.

Thank you to Libro.fm for an Educator ALC of this title.

[Josephine]

Um, no one told me about this?!

[Abigail Burdett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book of this series but unfortunately the sequels have fallen flat for me. The first book had an interesting plot, conflict, and resolution, and I liked the character Melody and enjoyed her story and growth. The last two books, specifically this one, read more like a boring diary entry. Also, Channel 12 seemed extremely manipulative and the depiction of English people was very stereotypical. The end was abrupt and the fact that Prince William showed up was kind of far fetched 😆not the greatest continuation in my opinion, but still a cute story

[Bridget J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, but I just can’t. I loved Out of My Mind and Melody. Her struggles were real and watching her find her voice in the first book was inspiring.
Out of My Dreams fell very flat for me. There was no conflict or real struggle for Melody. It was just a list of what she did in London. It sounded like one of my 5th graders wrote a paper about their trip.
I do love Sharon Draper, but this book was not her best work.

[Jaella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I think 23 year old me is a little too old for this book. But I don’t care I almost cried at so many parts of this. I love melody and will read anything ever written about her

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful addition to Melody’s story. My only criticism is that it seems like the ending got cut off. It needed an epilogue or something.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terzo capitolo della saga che racconta le vicende di Melody Brooks, una dodicenne nata con una paralisi cerebrale.
In questo nuovo libro la ragazzina ha modo di vivere un'esperienza indimenticabile partendo per Londra.
Tutto ha inizio una mattina quando per caso nota che la sua vicina di casa (un'attrice inglese in incognito) cade a terra a causa di un malore.
In quel momento Melody, prontamente e nonostante le difficoltà, riesce a chiamare i soccorsi e grazie a questo atto di gentilezza viene invitata in Inghilterra per partecipare ad una conferenza per giovani con disabilità che vogliono dare il proprio contributo per cambiare il mondo.
In questa nuova situazione la ragazzina ha modo di fare nuove esperienze (tra cui visitare Londra), conoscere nuovi amici e farsi "sentire".
La fragilità e la sensibilità di Melody toccano il cuore e si è portati ad empatizzare con lei perché catturati dalla sua caparbietà e forza d'animo.
Nonostante le difficoltà reali e le paure che ne conseguono, la giovane riesce a trovare stimoli e risorse per migliorare la propria vita e per aiutare a rendere meno "invisibili" quelli che vivono quotidianamente le medesime difficoltà.
Aspettavo questo libro da tempo.
Leggere la storia di questa ragazzina speciale fa stare bene e apre gli occhi su realtà, come quella di una malattia invalidante, che si conoscono solo se si viene colpiti da vicino.
Assolutamente consigliato. Intenso, vero, bellissimo.

[Chloe Cattaneo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute lil kids book! Very soothing to be able to read the end of this series. It felt like reading the most wholesome, nostalgic fanfiction ever.

I gave 3 stars because, plot-wise, this is my least favorite of the series, and it does seem like Sharon m Draper has such a fond attachment to Melody’s character by this point that she prioritizes her happiness over plot, if that makes sense? Like she can’t stomach anything bad happening to her, not even the smallest thing. Which is sort of uncharacteristic for an author who once put infanticide in a middle grade novel.

Anyway in conclusion this was very emotionally soothing, that’s all I got out of it though. I don’t think that’s actually a bad thing because this is a book for children… but it still gets 3 stars.

[Tori Bredenhof · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really like this book. It was mostly about sightseeing in London, with the symposium (which I thought would be way more major) only in the last few chapters. Maybe it's because I'm older when reading this one, but Melody kind of annoyed me in the way she talked. And it was super unrealistic how Prince William showed up at the end. I loved the first two, but Out of My Dreams was disappointing.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ugh, she’s so cute

[Ellie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, a very unrealistic middle grade that felt like it was trying too hard to be relatable to readers through Melody’s Noah and band obsession. Found myself getting super irritated and wanting to just get the book back on my shelves halfway through the story (and not just because I had a few TBRs on my nightstand that I’ve been hyped about for a while; I was genuinely annoyed).

I’ve been following Melody’s story for a while now, and I picked up this book just to finish the trilogy. It felt strangely childish to me, more than any of the previous books. It was also unrealistic, because there were so many areas where I went, “Really. REALLY?” I would have liked to see reality (harsh, yeah, but true) in the book. Finding out your neighbor was a super super famous actor, because you didn’t know that upon meeting her or knowing her name? Yeah right. Meeting a band member in an elevator and being invited to a recording session? Honestly, the chances of that are one in a billion, and aren’t recording sessions private? Contracts and all that?

Most of the book was literally just London tourist activities. And not some lesser-known little spots that have nice history and aren’t known. Literally. Just. London, in the most stereotypical sense of the city. It felt like Sharon Draper went sightseeing in London, liked it, and was like “hey, let’s write a book here because it’s a cool place.” The last section, where Melody inspires the IDEA arena, was so last-minute. There was so little mention about it throughout the main book, I actually forgot about IDEA until the last two chapters.

Also feels super unrealistic that Melody’s family would let her go to London with a neighbor who has nothing going for her besides fame and a nice personality, an old friend who (while reliable) isn’t family, and random neighbor’s granddaughter (or niece?). Especially since Melody’s mother is so protective. A London trip could have been a great experience for Penny, too! Another question: why wasn’t Melody’s family there at the IDEA arena? Wouldn’t they want to see Melody introduce herself to the world and hear her speak for those who can’t talk? That would have been a sweet addition to an already super sweet story.

Melody’s story also felt weirdly extended. I understand that representation in literature is important, but aren’t there so many other children in wheelchairs that aren’t Melody whose stories haven’t been told? I love Melody, don’t get me wrong, but did “Out of My Mind” need to be a trilogy? I personally don’t think so.

I will say, though, that “Out of My Dreams” shows kids that disabled kids can still travel, have fun in new, exciting countries, and (apparently…?) meet their favorite band in an elevator. (I can’t let this part of the story go, sorry. And we don’t even get to see her go to the recording session?! Give me that much, please. I digress.)

Anyway, it’s a sweet, inspiring story but so unrealistic that it actually irritated me. I’m also older than I am when I first read “Out of My Mind,” so I’m also just out of that period in my life. Maybe, just maybe, I would have enjoyed it if I were four years younger. But even then, it would have been bordering on a fantasy.

[Megan Alberta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Melody & it was wonderful to get to see her make a friend who loves her unconditionally. I also think it’s inspirational to have a main character with such a limiting disability do so many things she never even dreamed of doing.
But this book had sooo many things about it that I couldn’t ignore.
1) I feel like the characters that I loved so much in the first book are watered down. Melody’s Mom and Mrs. V are so much less fierce & determined. I love that Melody is happy and gets a story where she gets to have experiences like a “normal” pre-teen girl, but I feel certain aspects of her personality were dulled down.
2) There is basically no conflict. Any conflict is solved within a page or 2 and there is no overarching conflict that lasts throughout the story, this makes it a bit boring. The grand majority of the book is just Melody doing different things in London, this is the same issue I had with book 2.
3) I could not get past a lot of the language in the book. Melody’s dialogue and internal monologue is so dated. I felt like I was reading the thoughts/speech of a character from Full House. Melody even has the audacity to internally criticize her mom for saying something was “the bomb” when her thoughts are that of a Millennial.
4) Everything that happened felt too easy or unrealistic. The taxi driver waiting for them? The concert tickets? When the concert tickets didn’t work out the band member being in the elevator? Free stuff from the gift shop? The list goes on and on. Don’t get me wrong, Melody deserves only good things, but it was too much.

[Jan Raspen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, fun read. I forgot how much I liked the character of Melody. The first book of the series is still one of my all-time favorite MG books.

[Melissapalmer404 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good installment in this middle grade trilogy.

[Sally Kruger]

Fans of Sharon M. Draper's OUT OF MY MIND will be thrilled to hear about the final book in the trilogy, OUT OF MY DREAMS. Melody's adventure continues as she travels to London.

Melody was sitting in her wheelchair looking across the street at Miss Gertie's house at the perfect time. Miss Gertie is out checking her roses when she falls. She is unmoving on the walkway. Melody tries to holler for help, but no one hears her grunts and squeals. That's when she remembers what she's learned about 911.

Melody calls 911 and bravely uses Elvira to communicate when the 911 operator answers. In no time, sirens sound off in the distance and help arrives. Miss Gertie is taken to the hospital.

Soon Melody is getting phone calls from reporters and television news stations. Everyone is calling her a hero. Miss Gertie recovers thanks to Melody's quick response. Melody is offered a chance to participate in the I.D.E.A. conference in London. She can hardly believe she'll be flying on a plane and traveling to another country.

Author Sharon M. Draper concludes Melody's story with an adventure like nothing readers could ever imagine for the young girl who can't walk and can't talk without the help of her speaking device, Elvira.

[Heather Frederick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to fill a prompt for a reading challenge I'm doing this year. It was for a genre chosen by someone else, and they picked Young Adult for me. This was the third book in a series, and I read the first two a couple years ago. These books are good, but written towards a young audience, and so they read more juvenile (words and terms the characters use and through the way they express themselves and act). I think youth ages 10-13 would really enjoy and benefit from these books. They teach lessons about the struggles and challenges of different abled people and put into perspective what it is like for them. Hopefully people would gain understanding and empathy by reading these books. I really have come to like the main character, Melody.

[Barbara Fewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this entire series! What a voice Melody has throughout! Kindness, gratefulness and hopefulness! Melody is a pure joy!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how inspiring Melody is for readers who may be challenged with any type of disability or the desire to fit in or be treated “normal.” Great series!

[Heather Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Draper is a master storyteller! What a Joy it was to catch up with Melody on her new adventure.
The power of one voice. The power of kindness. The power of inclusion! The power of hope! Out of My Dreams is another fabulous read!

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody, a girl with cerebral palsy, is now 13 in this third book in the Out of My Mind series by Sharon Draper. It's an inspiring book and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that my eyes had already been opened wide to better seeing both the challenges and capabilities of people with disabilities in Sharon's first two books. I can still feel the powerful emotions that overtook me while reading them! This third book is more humorous and light-hearted. Melody is still doing amazing things (she even gets to go to London), plus she has become so much more confident. The book has many important reminders too, such as (in Melody's own words):
* (Words of wisdom) "Courtesy, Dignity, integrity, Generosity, Grace"
* "Take the time to be kind."
* "Speak to folks in wheelchairs. We are not invisible."
* "There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." (Taken from a song by Leonard Cohen)
These can be life changing books. Thank you, Sharon Draper!

[Kimiko Zeimet · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an “ok” book, but not as good as the first two of the series. The first one showed real hardships and struggles and how she overcame, the second was a more happy/feel-good book that I enjoyed as a light, easy read…but this one I felt like the plot was dull and the author was trying a little too hard to make the main character seem young and relevant. I get the intention, to show that she is a teenager who is young and hip just like everyone else but I couldn’t with the cringey slang. Like, when she says (thinks) “True, that!” Who even says that? Lol there were other slang terms too that were used and just made it seem awkward. The ending was also VERY abrupt. I feel like it needed some closure, just one chapter or an epilogue would’ve helped.

[Jake Brzovic · Rating 1 out of 5]

Out of my Mind is a certified banger of a book. I read it every couple of years to my class.

This is a certified hot mess. It’s so bad. This is just a bad fanfic. Each next plot moment is sillier and more inconceivable than the last. Excruciating to read.

Yes it’s written for 10-12 year olds but even they deserve top quality fiction.

Out of my Mind simply never needed a follow up book, let alone two.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first two but this one was really cheesy.

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of My Dreams by Sharon M. Draper (2024)
Out of My Mind #3
+306-page Kindle Ebook

Genre: Children's Literature > Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

Featuring: Bibliography, Cerebral Palsy, 12-Year-Old MC, Motorized Wheelchair, Electronic Nonverbal Communication Board, Neighbors, Cincinnati, Ohio; Media, Social Media, Television, Travel, London England, Family Dynamics, Helen Keller, William Shakespeare, Perseverance, Friendships, Sightseeing, Celebrities, Convention, Song of Melody

Rating as a movie: PG

Artists and Songs for the soundtrack: Beyoncé, "Game of Thrones Main Title Theme" by Ramin Djawadi, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Little Richard, Doris Day, Etta James, "Want You Back" by Double Trouble (DDT), Duran Duran, Stevie Wonder, "Anthem" by Leonard Cohen

Books and Authors mentioned: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, MacBeth by William Shakespeare, King Lear by William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, The Tempest by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle, Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Peter and Wendy by J.M. Barrie, Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, Casino Royale by Ian Fleming, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, Matilda by Roald Dahl, The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle, Historia regum Britanniae (The History of the Kings of Britain), originally called De gestis Britonum (On the Deeds of the Britons) by Geoffrey of Monmouth; Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll,
The Night at the Museum by Milan Trenc, Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🐦☁️🪶📺🧑🏾‍🦼

My thoughts: 📖 Page 41 of 306 Chapter 8 - This is off to a great start. I like the plot.
📖 62 Chapter 10 - This is starting to feel like filler.
📖 79 Chapter 11 - This isn't going as we hoped. I feel like I just read the climax, and my son is done with this one as well.
📖 168 [Chapter] 28 - This is losing focus.
📖 185 [Chapter] 31 - I have completely lost the plot of this story. I think it's just going to be a series of events at this point.
📖 203 [Chapter] 34 - I'm going to finish tomorrow for sure. It is slow going.
📖 237 [Chapter] 40 - I almost forgot why they came to London in the first place, and I think Melody has too, have they even met with anyone from I.D.E.A.?

The beginning was the best part of the entire story. I enjoyed the plot of the opening and then I realized there really isn't a plot. This story reminded me of when authors say they have a few ideas for a story but not enough for a complete book so they write a short story instead, this should have been a selection of short stories. The so-called plot is paper-thin and doesn't really have true direction is just a series of events and then it just ends and not on a good note, several storylines were dropped in the process.

Recommend to others: Honesty no.

Out of My Mind
1. Out of My Mind (2010)
2. Out of My Heart (2021)
3. Out of My Dreams (2024)

[Laura Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody from the Out of My Mind series, who is unable to walk or talk because of cerebral palsy, is back! In this book, Melody helps her elderly neighbor who has fallen by calling 911 using her assistive device. Melody doesn’t see anything special in what she’s done, but the local news stations and social media make a big deal out of her quick thinking; she’s a hero! Also, it turns out her neighbor, Miss Gertie, is a British movie star. Soon Melody and her family are featured on a local news story with Miss Gertie and as a surprise the news station announces they will be sending Melody and Miss Gertie to London so Melody can participate in a youth conference for differently abled kids (and Miss Gertie can visit estranged family members). Melody and family friend Mrs. V must navigate an international flight, hotel rooms, and the student conference, all with the added complication of Melody’s disability. One event that isn’t wheelchair accessible is a huge disappointment, but Melody finds that most of her experiences are positive. Along the way, Melody becomes true friends with Skylar, Miss Gertie’s great niece who accompanies her to London. Melody also befriends Bethany, who does wheelchair ballet and wants to help others realize their dreams of dancing despite a disability. In the culminating chapter, Melody gives a speech at the conference using her assistive device (trusty Elvira!) about ways people can better support people with disabilities.
Out of My Dreams is a triumphant conclusion to a beloved series. Melody’s voice is powerful and enthusiastic. I’m so glad we have this representation on our shelves.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved being able to see what Melody is up to again, this time with her taking a trip to London!

While so much of what happens in this book this time around feels extremely far fetched, it’s still so wonderful to think if only these things could happen all the time for people with disabilities. I think the world, if people took the time to care, could make that possible. It’s also a bit wild that Melody’s parents are so cool with her being so on her own? Am I just too much of an overthinker?

Some parts of the book felt relatable, as I’ve seen it happen to my own sister. Especially when the airport scuffs and ruins her wheelchair during travel. Some parts also made me wish my parents had had that kind of support with my sister. Who wouldn’t want a Mrs. V?!

Overall, an inspiring read.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a harder time with this story. Her instant friendship with Skyler did not seem believable. I kept thinking about how long you would have to wait for Melody to type on Elvira for a response. I don't know many 14 year olds who would instantly have that kind of patience and compassion for someone.

This book does point out how most of England is much better at making sure things are accessible for everyone. We can all learn to do better.

And it still feels good to spend time with Melody and her sweet spirit.

[Ria K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bu kitaptan bahsederken o kadar çok cringe dedim ki sayamıyorum. Ama bu seri, her kitabıyla daha çok cringe'leşti. İçimdeki Müzik güzeldi, İçimdeki Melodi'ye her şey toz pembe ama olur bu kadar da olsun bakalım dedik, İçimdeki Hayat ise neredeyse tüm kitaplarını okuduğum bu yazara olan toleransımı epey zorladı.