The uplifting story, Out of My Mind, demonstrates how Melody's photographic memory changes how other people view her disabilities. By using the unique, standards-based lessons in this instructional guide for literature, students will dive deeply into the text learn the importance of standing up for oneself despite life's challenges. Students will also build their critical literacy skills through analyzing story elements in multiple ways, practicing close reading, interpreting text-based vocabulary, and determining meaning through text-dependent questions.