Author: Laila

Out of My Mind, written by Sharon M. Draper, is a meaningful and powerful story that follows the life and struggles of a twelve-year-old girl, Melody Brooks. Melody has photographic memory, making it feel like her head is “recording” The novel offers a deep dive into the world of a non-verbal child, providing a well understanding and exploration of her internal thoughts, frustrations, and even dreams. The book emphasizes the importance of making awareness to inclusion, and the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Through Melody’s journey, Draper portrays how society often underestimates the potential of people with any physical disability.

Words have always swirled around me like snowflakes-each one delicate and different, each one melting untouched in my hands.

Deep within me, my words pile up in huge drifts. Mountains of phrases and sentence is a connected idea. Clever expressions. Jokes. Love songs.

From the time I was little-maybe just a few months old-words were like sweet, liquid gifts, and I drank them like lemonade. I could almost taste them. They made my jumbled thoughts and feelings have substance. My parents have always blanketed me with conversation they chattered and babbled. They verbalize and vocalize. My father saying to me. My mother whispered her strength into my ear.

Every word my parents spoke to me or about me I absorbed and kept and remembered. All of them.

I have no idea how entangled the complicated process of words and thought, but it happened quickly and naturally. By the time I was two, all my memories and all my words had meanings.

But only in my head. I’ve never spoken one single word.

I am almost twelve years old. ( p.284)

This quotation speaks to the inside of Melody’s mind, her wanting for communication, and the isolation she must experiences because of the disconnect between her thoughts and her inability to speak. It really highlights both the beauty and the anger of being unable to share your thoughts with the world.

I have been reading the book INSURGENT by Veronica Roth. Insurgent picks up right after the events of Divergent, with Tris prior and Tobias Eaton on the run after the attack on the Abnegation faction, by the Erudite faction. The story follows their journey through a fractured society where trust is very hard to find and alliances are fragile. Tris is struggling with the aftermath of her parents deaths, the betrayal of her own faction, and the weight of the choices she has made. As she navigates the political tension between factions, she uncovers dangerous secrets, confronts her own fears, and accepts her identity as a Divergent.

“There are so many ways to be brave in this strange world. sometimes bravery involves laying down your life for something bigger than yourself, or for someone else. sometimes it involves giving everything up have ever known, or everyone you have ever loved, for the sake of something greater. But sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it is nothing more than gritting your teeth through pain, and the work of every day, the slow walk toward a better life. (p.128)”

This quotation said by Tris, is talking about how the world is a weird, confusing, and scary. She mentions how in life you need to be brave no matter what circumstances; If its for a friend, family member, or someone you have loved. You need to slowly keep pushing forward and going on with life, through any  challenges for a better way of living.

Divergent by Veronica Roth is a book set in a dystopian future where society is divided into five factions, each representing a different virtue; Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peace), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence). The story follows Beatrice “Tris” Prior, is a sixteen year old girl who discovers that she is “Divergent,” meaning she does not fit into any specific one faction. Being Divergent is considered a treat to the societal order. Tris chooses Dauntless, the faction dedicated to bravery, and begins a very difficult initiation process. As Tris navigates the challenges of her new life, she uncovers dark secrets about the society and begins to question the system that controls them all.

“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another, becoming fearless isn’t the point. That’s impossible. It’s learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.”

This quotation is said by Four a divergent leader, who later in the story becomes close with Tris teaching her all his ways, this quote suggests that real courage isn’t about getting rid of fear, but about managing and controlling it as well as  using it to empower yourself to take action towards better good.

The Unteachables by Gordon Korman, is a humorous and sweet novel that follows a group of middle school misfits and their unconventional teacher. The story follows the students of room 117, a class of students that have been named “unteachable” by their school. Each student is dealing with struggles or behavioral issues, from an obsessions with video games to bad attitudes or academic struggles. The class is led by Mr. Korman, a teacher who hates his life has been assigned to teach room 117 as his last job before retirement. The class calls him “Mr. Kermit” just like the frog. As the story goes on, Mr. Korman starts to connect with the students, discovering their unique talents and personalities.

“Justice and fairness aren’t, and never will be apart of the social studies curriculum; you know their building blocks of our entire society. Just because you’ve got anger management problems doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to be ticked off about. Let me tell you about spirit.” (p. 42)

This quotation said by Mr. Korman, to the class after the principal came to tell the class they cant go on the field trip, because of their behavior. Mr. Korman is acknowledging that while concepts like justice and fairness may not always be taught, they are essential principles for society to function.

“The Light Pirate” written by Lily Brookes-Dalton is a captivating novel set in a near future world grappling with climate change. The story follows the life of a young girl named Wanda, who grows up in a Florida that is increasingly threatened by rising sea levels and severe weather. As she navigates her childhood and adolescence. The novel explores themes of resilience, family, and the bond between humans and nature. It delves into the emotional landscapes of its character, highlighting their hope and fears in a world where survival becomes uncertain.

“The passage of years could be assigned a number, but in this place, time has a different measure. its progression is marked by the smoothness of water where ruins once broke the surface. The thickening of a young grove’s canopy. The collapse of an old utility pole. It is marked by the end of one species or the beginning of another. Here, time sprawls and curls. The land returns to the way it was; it becomes something brand new.” (p. 315).

This quote captures the theme of resilience and renewal, emphasizing how, even amid loss, there is always the potential for new beginnings and the continuous transformations of the world around us.