My class of third graders enjoyed a recent visit from Melody at Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, South Carolina. After reading, Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, the students were moved by the powerful message the book brought to them. I thought hard before reading this book to my third graders, as it was not the GRA pick for my grade level, but can honestly say that I've never had a class so invested in a book before this one. They recommended it to other students, parents, and teacher during our school book fair, so much so that additional copies had to be ordered. Many of my own students purchased their own copy to read again, even though we had already read it together. The class discussions in response to this book were so rich, and I feel blessed to have been able to experience this with my class. As we awaited Melody's arrival, we pondered the questions of how we would travel, who would take charge of her, how would we include her, why was she just a chalk outline, and more. I feel that the class developed a better understanding of empathy, as demonstrated through their actions and comments. Melody, and the book, were a large part of our classroom community this year that will hold us together even as these children move forward in the years to come. (Melody #028B0114)
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