The Global Read Aloud 2013 for Middle Grade-Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

This year the Global Read Aloud for middle grades is Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper.

I was so excited that Out of My Mind was chosen!  I read it last school year and just LOVED it.  So, I thought I would share a bit of info about the book and Global Read Aloud in this post in hopes that you will read Out of My Mind with your class and participate in the Global Read Aloud this fall. 

Here is the summary of Out of My Mind from Goodreads.com

Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. Her head is like a video camera that is always recording. Always. And there's no delete button. She's the smartest kid in her whole school—but no one knows it. Most people—her teachers and doctors included—don't think she's capable of learning, and up until recently her school days consisted of listening to the same preschool-level alphabet lessons again and again and again. If only she could speak up, if only she could tell people what she thinks and knows . . . but she can't, because Melody can't talk. She can't walk. She can't write.
Being stuck inside her head is making Melody go out of her mind—that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voice . . . but not everyone around her is ready to hear it.
From multiple Coretta Scott King Award winner Sharon M. Draper comes a story full of heartache and hope. Get ready to meet a girl whose voice you'll never, ever forget.

What is the Global Read Aloud?
In short, the purpose of the Global Read Aloud is to take one book and use it to connect readers around the world via Skype, blogs, email or any other way you choose.  There are 4 books chosen this year for various grade levels. Teachers can certainly choose to read books outside of their grade level. 

Kindergarten: Eric Carle books
Grades 1-3 Marty McGuire by Kate Messner
Grades 4 and up Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
Middle School/High School Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach

Who is involved?
The Global Read Aloud began in 2010.  It was founded by Pernille Ripp, a teacher from Wisconsin.  It was her desire to foster world-wide connections using a common read aloud as a springboard to build relationships. 

Where can I sign up or get more info?
You can visit the sites below to sign up and get more information about the Global Read Aloud.

Global Read Aloud.com
Global Read Aloud Wiki
Global Read Aloud Facebook Page
Scoop.it-Has tons of resources about the author and other links. 

When does it take place?
The dates for GLA are September 30-November 8, 2013

Week 1: Chapters 1-6 (pgs. 1-50)

Week 2: Chapters 7-11 (pgs. 51-101)

Week 3: Chapters 12-17 (pgs. 102-155)

Week 4: Chapters 18-23 (pgs. 156-205)

Week 5: Chapters 24-27 (pgs. 206-247)

Week 6: Chapters 28 - end (pgs. 248-295)

Why? 
There are too many reasons to list.  What an amazing way to connect students globally using wonderful books. 


Here are some resources that you might find helpful while you are reading Out of My Mind.  

Sharon Draper's website
Common Core aligned questions
Paths to Literacy website- Partnering with GRA to offer books for students who are blind or visually impaired.
Out of My Mind book trailer. 
Some discussion topics from the publisher
Stephen Hawking's website
Kids Health-Info about cerebral palsy
Using Skype in the classroom
Kidblog
Tips on using Google Hangout in the classroom

Possible companion texts 
Click on the title to learn more about these books. 

I hope you will consider participating 

in the Global Read Aloud this year.