Out of my mind

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 33 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. How does Melody describe words and thoughts, and what does this help you understand about her?
2. How do Melody’s parents react when the doctor underestimates her, and what does that show about them?
3. What details show the difference between what people see when they look at Melody and who she really is inside?
4. How does Mrs. V treat Melody differently from many other adults, and why might this be helpful for Melody?
5. What is life like for Melody in room H-5, and how does it make her feel about school?
6. Which classmate or teacher in H-5 stands out to you, and what does Melody’s description teach you about empathy?
7. How does the incident with Mrs. Billups show why Melody gets frustrated when adults do not listen?
8. What changes when Melody begins spending time with students outside H-5, and what challenges come with that change?
9. How do the students in the regular classes react to Melody at first, and what do their reactions reveal about kindness and misunderstanding?
10. How does Catherine help Melody have a stronger voice at school, and why is trust important between them?
11. What does Melody notice about Rose, Molly, and Claire, and how do these girls affect her feelings about belonging?
12. When Melody learns about technology that can speak for people, what prediction can you make about how it might change her life?
13. Why is choosing words for Melody’s communication system so important, and what would you want to be able to say first?
14. How does Melody’s new Medi-Talker change the way others see her? Use examples from the chapter.
15. What does the name and voice Melody chooses for her device tell you about her personality?
16. How does Melody’s family react when they hear her speak with her device, and why is this moment meaningful?
17. What new problems appear even after Melody gets a way to talk, and what theme does this show about fairness?
18. How does Melody handle rude or uncomfortable moments with classmates, and what would you have done in her place?
19. What do we learn about Mr. Dimming and the quiz team, and why does Melody want to try out?
20. How does Melody prepare for the Whiz Kids tryout, and what does her preparation show about her character?
21. What happens during the tryout, and how do people’s reactions show their assumptions about Melody?
22. How does being chosen for the team affect Melody’s confidence and her relationships at school?
23. What role do teamwork and practice play as the quiz team gets ready for competition?
24. During the competition, how does Melody show what she knows, and how does the team respond?
25. What does the team’s success mean to Melody, and how does it change what she hopes for next?
26. How do reporters, classmates, and adults treat Melody after the win, and what do you think is fair or unfair about it?
27. What goes wrong with the trip to Washington, D.C., and how does Melody try to make herself heard?
28. Why is the airport scene so upsetting, and what does it reveal about the people on the team?
29. After Melody is left behind, what emotions does she experience, and how can you tell from her actions?
30. How does the accident with Penny connect to Melody’s struggle to communicate, and why is it such a tense moment?
31. What does Melody learn about Penny’s condition, and how does her family show love during a frightening time?
32. How do Melody’s classmates and teacher act when she returns, and what do you think Melody needs from them?
33. At the end of the novel, how has Melody changed, and what message do you think the author wants readers to remember?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

How does Mrs. V treat Melody differently from many other adults, and why might this be helpful for Melody?

I think Mrs. V treats Melody like a real person with strong thoughts, not like someone who cannot learn. She is kind, but she also pushes Melody to try hard and not give up. This is helpful because Melody needs people to believe in her. Mrs. V helps Melody feel stronger and more confident.

How does Melody’s new Medi-Talker change the way others see her? Use examples from the chapter.

I think the Medi-Talker helps people finally understand that Melody has been smart all along. Before, many people judged her because she could not speak out loud. Now she can answer, joke, and share her ideas. It does not fix every problem, but it gives her a voice people can hear.

At the end of the novel, how has Melody changed, and what message do you think the author wants readers to remember?

I think Melody has become braver because she keeps going even after people hurt her feelings. She has learned that her voice matters, even when others do not listen the right way. The author wants readers to remember not to judge someone by how they look or move. Everyone has thoughts, feelings, and talents inside.