Out of My Heart Summary
Sharon M. Draper

Out of My Heart Overview

Sharon Draper's novel Out of My Heart follows the adventures of Melody Brooks as she spends a week away from home at a summer camp for the first time. Melody has recently begun to experience growing pains. She is surprised when her application for a summer camp especially for kids with disabilities has an immediate opening. There, she discovers the thrills of “flying” on a zip line, riding a horse, and nightly campfire gatherings. Most of all, she learns that she is ready for the big adventures, including making friends and developing her first crush. The novel's main themes are learning about disabilities, defining normal, using and recognizing strengths,  communicating in alternative ways, and experiencing independence.