Summary: In today's article, I have compiled 20 of the best books similar to Out of My Mind perfect for anyone who loves uplifting and empowering tales about resilience and self-discovery. My top 3:
- El Deafo by Cece Bell
- Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
- Rules by Cynthia Lord
TOP 20: Best Books Similar to Out of My Mind
1. El Deafo
- Author: Cece Bell
- About: A graphic memoir about Cece's journey growing up with hearing loss and learning to embrace her differences.
- Style of Writing: Whimsical and heartfelt, with illustrations that add humor and emotion.
- Length: Approximately 25,000 words.
- Year Written: 2014
- Emotional Impact: Uplifting and memorable; fosters empathy and celebrates individuality.
- Difficulty Level: Accessible for middle-grade readers; a mix of humor and poignant moments.
- Why Read It: Offers a relatable story of self-acceptance and the power of connection.
2. Fish in a Tree
- Author: Lynda Mullaly Hunt
- About: Ally, a girl with dyslexia, learns to embrace her abilities with the help of a compassionate teacher.
- Style of Writing: Engaging first-person narrative with authentic dialogue.
- Length: Approximately 52,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and heartwarming; celebrates overcoming challenges.
- Difficulty Level: Suitable for middle-grade readers; simple yet meaningful prose.
- Why Read It: Highlights the transformative power of encouragement and understanding.
3. Rules
- Author: Cynthia Lord
- About: Catherine, a girl with an autistic brother, navigates her feelings about his disability while forming new friendships.
- Style of Writing: Honest and heartfelt, with relatable family dynamics.
- Length: Approximately 37,000 words.
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: Touching and thought-provoking; explores themes of acceptance.
- Difficulty Level: Perfect for middle-grade readers; straightforward and relatable.
- Why Read It: Offers insight into the joys and challenges of living with a family member with special needs.
4. Wonder
- Author: R.J. Palacio
- About: Auggie, a boy with a facial difference, starts attending school and learns about acceptance and kindness.
- Style of Writing: Simple and profound, with multiple perspectives for depth.
- Length: Approximately 73,000 words.
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving and thought-provoking; inspires empathy.
- Difficulty Level: Middle-grade friendly; accessible language with meaningful themes.
- Why Read It: Promotes understanding and the importance of kindness.
5. Counting by 7s
- Author: Holly Goldberg Sloan
- About: Willow, a gifted girl, finds a new family and sense of belonging after the loss of her adoptive parents.
- Style of Writing: Poetic and introspective, with strong emotional depth.
- Length: Approximately 85,000 words.
- Year Written: 2013
- Emotional Impact: Profound and heartwarming; celebrates resilience.
- Difficulty Level: Accessible for middle-grade readers; deeply reflective.
- Why Read It: Explores coping with grief and the meaning of family.
6. The War That Saved My Life
- Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
- About: Ada, a girl with a clubfoot, escapes her abusive mother and discovers freedom during World War II.
- Style of Writing: Compelling historical fiction with vivid descriptions.
- Length: Approximately 82,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Uplifting and inspiring; emphasizes personal growth.
- Difficulty Level: Perfect for middle-grade readers; straightforward yet rich in historical context.
- Why Read It: Demonstrates the power of love and self-acceptance.
7. Out of My Heart
- Author: Sharon M. Draper
- About: Melody explores new challenges and friendships at a summer camp for differently-abled children.
- Style of Writing: Reflective and empowering, continuing Melody’s story.
- Length: Approximately 65,000 words.
- Year Written: 2021
- Emotional Impact: Encouraging and heartening; focuses on independence.
- Difficulty Level: Middle-grade appropriate; engaging and relatable.
- Why Read It: Inspires readers to embrace new experiences and challenges.
8. A Step Toward Falling
- Author: Cammie McGovern
- About: Emily and Lucas seek redemption after failing to protect a classmate with developmental disabilities.
- Style of Writing: Dual perspectives with authentic teenage voices.
- Length: Approximately 90,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and compassionate; explores guilt and growth.
- Difficulty Level: Suitable for young adult readers; sensitive themes with depth.
- Why Read It: Highlights the importance of responsibility and standing up for others.
9. The Thing About Jellyfish
- Author: Ali Benjamin
- About: Suzy investigates her friend's drowning, believing it was caused by a jellyfish sting.
- Style of Writing: Poetic and introspective, blending science with emotion.
- Length: Approximately 50,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Contemplative and moving; deals with loss and healing.
- Difficulty Level: Middle-grade friendly; a mix of science and personal growth.
- Why Read It: Encourages curiosity and understanding in the face of grief.
10. Restart
- Author: Gordon Korman
- About: Chase, a former bully, loses his memory and gets a second chance at life.
- Style of Writing: Humorous and reflective, with multiple viewpoints.
- Length: Approximately 40,000 words.
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Engaging and thought-provoking; emphasizes change and redemption.
- Difficulty Level: Middle-grade appropriate; straightforward yet impactful.
- Why Read It: Shows the potential for personal growth and the impact of second chances.
11. Mockingbird
- Author: Kathryn Erskine
- About: Caitlin, a girl with Asperger's syndrome, seeks closure after her brother’s tragic death.
- Style of Writing: Sensitive and nuanced, offering insight into the protagonist’s unique perspective.
- Length: Approximately 35,000 words.
- Year Written: 2010
- Emotional Impact: Heartfelt and enlightening; fosters empathy and understanding of neurodiversity.
- Difficulty Level: Perfect for middle-grade readers; simple yet deeply reflective.
- Why Read It: Provides a compassionate look at grief, healing, and acceptance through a unique lens.
12. So B. It
- Author: Sarah Weeks
- About: Heidi, a girl with a mentally disabled mother, sets out to uncover the secrets of her family’s past.
- Style of Writing: Warm and engaging, with elements of mystery.
- Length: Approximately 49,000 words.
- Year Written: 2004
- Emotional Impact: Moving and inspiring; highlights identity and family bonds.
- Difficulty Level: Suitable for middle-grade readers; accessible and heartfelt.
- Why Read It: Explores self-discovery, resilience, and the meaning of family.
13. Anything But Typical
- Author: Nora Raleigh Baskin
- About: Jason, a boy with autism, finds solace in writing and a meaningful online connection with a friend.
- Style of Writing: Introspective and authentic, written from Jason’s perspective.
- Length: Approximately 28,000 words.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Profound and thought-provoking; fosters empathy for individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Difficulty Level: Middle-grade appropriate; accessible yet emotionally rich.
- Why Read It: Offers a unique perspective on neurodiversity and the power of storytelling.
14. Stargirl
- Author: Jerry Spinelli
- About: Stargirl, a free-spirited and unique girl, challenges high school norms and inspires individuality and acceptance.
- Style of Writing: Poetic and whimsical, with reflective narration.
- Length: Approximately 40,000 words.
- Year Written: 2000
- Emotional Impact: Memorable and inspiring; encourages readers to embrace authenticity.
- Difficulty Level: Suitable for middle-grade to young adult readers; accessible yet layered.
- Why Read It: Promotes individuality and self-acceptance, with timeless lessons.
15. The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
- Author: Stacy McAnulty
- About: Lucy, a math prodigy with OCD caused by a lightning strike, learns about friendship and balance in life.
- Style of Writing: Humorous and heartfelt, blending math quirks with emotional growth.
- Length: Approximately 54,000 words.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Uplifting and relatable; emphasizes the importance of connections beyond talents.
- Difficulty Level: Middle-grade appropriate; engaging and easy to follow.
- Why Read It: Inspires readers to value relationships and embrace life outside their comfort zones.
16. Front Desk
- Author: Kelly Yang
- About: Mia, a young immigrant, manages the front desk of a motel while her parents face adversity and discrimination.
- Style of Writing: Honest and engaging, with humor and heart.
- Length: Approximately 58,000 words.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Heartwarming and enlightening; highlights resilience and cultural identity.
- Difficulty Level: Suitable for middle-grade readers; accessible and inspiring.
- Why Read It: Provides a meaningful perspective on perseverance, kindness, and cultural identity.
17. Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
- Author: Dusti Bowling
- About: Aven, born without arms, navigates life in a new town and uncovers a mystery at a local theme park.
- Style of Writing: Witty and uplifting, with strong character development.
- Length: Approximately 54,000 words.
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and empowering; celebrates resilience and embracing differences.
- Difficulty Level: Middle-grade appropriate; accessible and engaging.
- Why Read It: Encourages readers to see abilities rather than limitations and value perseverance.
18. Because of Mr. Terupt
- Author: Rob Buyea
- About: Seven students share how their teacher, Mr. Terupt, positively impacts their lives in unexpected ways.
- Style of Writing: Told through multiple perspectives with distinct and authentic voices.
- Length: Approximately 57,000 words.
- Year Written: 2010
- Emotional Impact: Heartfelt and memorable; emphasizes the life-changing impact of a great teacher.
- Difficulty Level: Middle-grade appropriate; straightforward and touching.
- Why Read It: Celebrates the transformative power of education and understanding.
19. The Running Dream
- Author: Wendelin Van Draanen
- About: Jessica, a track star, loses her leg in an accident but finds new purpose through running and helping others.
- Style of Writing: Poignant and hopeful, focusing on resilience and growth.
- Length: Approximately 76,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and heartfelt; emphasizes determination and compassion.
- Difficulty Level: Suitable for middle-grade to young adult readers; accessible and engaging.
- Why Read It: Encourages perseverance and highlights the importance of adapting to life’s challenges.
20. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
- Author: Dan Gemeinhart
- About: Twelve-year-old Coyote travels across the country in a school bus with her father while secretly planning to return to her hometown to retrieve a memory box.
- Style of Writing: Heartfelt and adventurous, blending humor with emotional depth.
- Length: Approximately 82,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Moving and memorable; explores grief, healing, and the importance of family.
- Difficulty Level: Suitable for middle-grade readers; accessible yet profound.
- Why Read It: A beautifully written tale about resilience, love, and finding your way home.
