Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
Write a summary of what you think the sequel should be about (The story revolves around Melody Brooks, an 11-year-old student with cerebral palsy, who struggles to overcome her physical disability and the perceived disability that other schoolchildren feel she has.)
Sequel should be at least 800+ words long. Answer the following questions:
What characters will you include?
What will their lives be like?
Will you introduce any new characters?
What will be the major conflict/tension?
Where and when will the sequel take place?
Will it pick up where the novel left off or be set several years in the future?
What will the title of the sequel be?
Be sure to use the same kind of slang/language that the author used in the novel and really try to imagine what she (the author) would have written for the characters.
Title: Still Out of My Mind
The sequel to "Out of My Mind" will pick up where the novel left off, following the life of Melody Brooks as she continues to navigate the challenges of her disability and the perceptions of those around her. The story will be set several years in the future, when Melody is a teenager attending high school.
In "Still Out of My Mind," Melody will continue to face the same struggles she experienced in elementary school, but on a larger and more complex scale. She will encounter new challenges, both in terms of her own physical limitations and the attitudes of her peers and teachers. Despite these obstacles, Melody will continue to show her strength, intelligence, and determination.
Several characters from the original novel will make appearances in the sequel, including Melody's parents, Mrs. V., Melody's aide, and her classmates. Melody's parents will continue to be a source of support and love for her, while Mrs. V. will provide guidance and encouragement as Melody navigates the ups and downs of high school. Melody's classmates, both old and new, will play a role in shaping her experiences and perceptions of herself.
In addition to familiar faces, the sequel will introduce new characters who will challenge and support Melody in different ways. These characters may include a new teacher who is less understanding of Melody's needs, a classmate who becomes a close friend, and a rival who underestimates Melody's abilities. Each of these characters will play a role in shaping Melody's journey and her understanding of herself.
The major conflict in "Still Out of My Mind" will center around Melody's struggle to be seen and heard for who she truly is, rather than being defined by her disability. This conflict will manifest in various ways, from misunderstandings with classmates to clashes with authority figures who underestimate her intelligence and abilities. Throughout the story, Melody will learn to advocate for herself and assert her worth in a world that often overlooks her potential.
The sequel will take place in a mix of familiar and new settings, including Melody's high school, her home, and various social and academic events where she must navigate the challenges of her disability. These settings will provide a backdrop for the growth and development of Melody's character, as she learns to navigate the complexities of adolescence and disability.
Overall, "Still Out of My Mind" will continue to explore themes of identity, self-worth, and the power of determination in the face of adversity. Through Melody's journey, readers will be inspired to see beyond the limitations of physical disability and recognize the strength and resilience that lies within each individual.
Must be 800+ words
Title: Still Out of My Mind
The hot sun beat down on Melody as she made her way through the crowded hallways of her new high school. She was no longer the little girl she used to be, the one who struggled to be seen and heard despite her physical limitations. Now, as a teenager, Melody was determined to continue proving to the world that she was more than just her disability.
Melody's parents stood by her side, their love and support unwavering in the face of the challenges that lay ahead. Her mother, Mrs. Brooks, with her warm smile and gentle touch, continued to be Melody's rock, always there to offer comfort and encouragement. Her father, Mr. Brooks, a man of few words but endless love, stood strong beside his wife, ready to fight for his daughter's right to be treated as an equal.
As Melody settled into her new routine at high school, she encountered a mix of familiar faces and new classmates who would play a role in shaping her experiences. Mrs. V., Melody's trusted aide from elementary school, continued to provide guidance and support, helping Melody navigate the challenges of her new environment. Though Melody was grateful for Mrs. V.'s presence, she knew that high school would bring its own set of obstacles, ones that she would have to face on her own.
Among her classmates, Melody found both friends and foes. There was Sarah, a kind-hearted girl who saw beyond Melody's physical disability and treated her with the respect she deserved. Together, Melody and Sarah formed a strong bond, supporting each other through the ups and downs of high school life. On the other hand, there was Kyle, a popular jock who underestimated Melody's intelligence and abilities, often making snide remarks about her disability. Despite Kyle's taunts, Melody remained steadfast in her determination to prove him wrong.
In addition to her classmates, Melody encountered a new teacher, Mrs. Johnson, who was less understanding of her needs than Mrs. V. had been. Mrs. Johnson seemed to have preconceived notions about Melody's abilities, underestimating her intelligence and potential. Melody knew that she would have to work twice as hard to prove herself to this new teacher, but she was determined not to let anyone's doubts hold her back.
As the days turned into weeks, Melody found herself caught in the midst of a major conflict that would test her strength and resilience. The tension between her desire to be seen and heard for who she truly was and the perceptions of those around her reached a boiling point. Melody's classmates often spoke over her, assuming that she couldn't understand or communicate like they could. Teachers sometimes overlooked her in discussions or assigned her simpler tasks than her peers. Despite these challenges, Melody refused to be silenced or sidelined. She spoke up for herself, advocating for the recognition and respect she deserved.
The sequel, "Still Out of My Mind," took place in a mix of settings, from the bustling hallways of high school to Melody's cozy bedroom at home. Each scene painted a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs that defined Melody's journey as she navigated the complexities of adolescence and disability. Through it all, Melody's voice rang clear and true, a symbol of strength and determination in the face of adversity.
As the story unfolded, readers were drawn into Melody's world, cheering for her victories and empathizing with her struggles. They saw beyond the limitations of her physical disability and recognized the strength and resilience that lay within her. Melody's journey inspired them to believe in the power of determination, to see the potential in every individual, and to never underestimate the impact that one voice can have on the world.
In the end, "Still Out of My Mind" was more than just a sequel to "Out of My Mind." It was a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of self-advocacy, and the beauty of finding one's voice in a world that often tries to silence it. Melody's story was a reminder that true strength comes not from physical abilities, but from the unwavering belief in oneself and the courage to stand tall in the face of adversity. And as the final pages turned and Melody's journey continued, readers were left with a sense of hope and inspiration, knowing that no obstacle was too great to overcome when one had the courage to speak out and be heard.