Podcast appearances and mentions of Sharon M Draper

"Out Of My Mind" had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its performances, portrayal of cerebral palsy, writing, and direction. Based on Sharon M. Draper's 2010 novel of the same name, the film tells the story of Melody Brooks, a nonverbal young girl with cerebral palsy who has a sharp mind and a photographic memory. The movie follows her journey as she navigates sixth grade and fights to be heard and understood. She eventually receives a speech-generating device to express her thoughts and feelings. Actors Phoebe-Rae Taylor, Luke Kirby, and Director Ambert Sealey were all kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Disney+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“And I think that's what reading is… It's a personal interpretation of the story, and it may not be the same as somebody else's. That's the whole idea of a good teacher. There should be different interpretations, and sometimes a student will come up with something that I never thought of.” —Sharon M. Draper  Give a story to twenty kids, and you might get twenty different takeaways. Some will catch the details you didn't even notice. Others will pull out meaning that wasn't intentionally placed, but rings true all the same. Sharon M. Draper writes for everyone and fiercely advocates for students' right to read for themselves.Sharon knows the capacity of a book to transport and transform kids; she was the kid who maxed out her library card every Saturday at the Cleveland Public Library. She then became the teacher who read aloud to even the most skeptical students, and the writer whose bestselling novel "Out of My Mind," which was adapted into a film for Disney+ and remains requisite reading for many middle schoolers year after year. A two-time Coretta Scott King Award winner, Sharon is the author of "Stella by Starlight," "Blended," "Tears of a Tiger," and many, many more.In this episode, "Good Luck, They're Yours: Sharon Draper on Giving Students Room to Read," Sharon discusses what it means to trust readers, how her students helped guide her first book, and seeing her stories banned in classrooms. We also talk about church music, spiked lemonade, and how she ended up with a special library card that gave her access to the library's adult section, even as a child.When we asked Sharon to come up with a reading challenge, she was reluctant to give us a list of must-reads. Maybe that's not surprising, given her past frustrations with inflexible required reading lists. In true teacher fashion, she flipped the assignment and gave us a lesson plan. This week's Beanstack featured Librarian is William Schaller, the middle school librarian at Hoffman Middle School in Houston, Texas, for the past seven years! William shares his secret sauce for getting kids excited about reading. Show ChaptersChapter 1 - The Reader KidChapter 2 - Spike Lemonade and Porch StoriesChapter 3 - Shut Up and Say You Like ItChapter 4 - We Never Say That in the Locker RoomChapter 5 - Student TeachersChapter 6 - Reading ChallengeChapter 7 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Sharon DraperSharon Draper InstagramCleveland Public LibraryUp the Down StaircaseSharon M. Draper receiving the National Teacher of the Year AwardBeanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost and Production CreditsHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Mel Webb and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing OUT OF MY MIND (2024), from a screenplay by Daniel Stiepleman, from Sharon M. Draper's novel, the film is directed by Amber Sealey.  The coming of age story of a teenage girl, Melody (Phoebe-Rae Taylor), with non-verbal cerebral palsy who gains an opportunity to attend high school outside of her usual special education classroom and how she and her loving family struggle to help her fit in.  The film clocks in at 1 h and 42 m, is rated TV-PG and is currently streaming on Disney+.  Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.#OutOfMyMind #SharonMDraper #AmberSealey #DanielStiepleman #PhoebeRaeTaylor #MelodyBrooks #RosemarieDeWitt #DianeBrooks #LukeKirby #ChuckBrooks #EmilyMitchell #PennyBrooks #JudithLight #MrsV #ComingOfAge #Drama #FamilyDrama #CerebralPalsy #FemaleFilmmakerFriday #WomenDirectors #WomensHistoryMonth @DisneyPlus #FridayFamilyFilmNightOpening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library

Join Kelly MacDonald and co-host Alicia Grace Chenier for an action-packed episode! Alicia kicks things off with her review of Out of My Mind, Disney+‘s adaptation of Sharon M. Draper's bestselling novel about a brilliant young girl with cerebral palsy. Next, Richard Rieman from Imagination Storybooks shares the inspiring origin of his accessible audiobook service for blind and deaf children. Later, Alex Smyth, host of Para Sport Nation, previews upcoming episodes, including a spotlight on Ryan Straschnitzki's journey and a look at wheelchair motocross.

The absolutely delightful and talented Sharon M. Draper has written her first picture book and we loved chatting with her about the process from start to finish. Don't miss this episode!Learn more about Sharon here:Website: https://www.sharondraper.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonmdraper/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

About the Guest(s): Sharon M. Draper is an accomplished author and educator, widely recognized for her contribution to young adult literature. Her career as an English teacher spanned over 30 years, engaging with students from sixth to twelfth grade. Draper's literary portfolio includes books that address diverse and compelling topics, with "Out of My Mind" being among her most notable works. She's won awards, including the prestigious Margaret A. Edwards Award for her significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens. With her lifelong devotion to creating profound connections with young readers through her writing, she has touched numerous lives and inspired countless individuals.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, we are joined by Sharon Draper, an exceptional voice in middle-grade literature whose books have captivated readers around the globe. Draper takes us behind the scenes of her creative process during the conversation, sharing the inspirations and challenges that shape her memorable characters and their stories. The episode begins with a deep dive into Draper's most beloved character, Melody, from the "Out of My Mind" series. The audience is given a unique window into Melody's world, exploring self-acceptance, belonging, and disability representation. Draper outlines her meticulous approach to research, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in crafting a character like Melody, who has cerebral palsy and navigates a myriad of personal and social challenges.We hear about Melody's growth and journey as she searches for acceptance both within herself and in the society around her. The conversation touches on Melody's experiences in summer camp in "Out of My Heart," her friendships, and her quest for inclusion. The episode concludes with an exciting teaser about the upcoming third book in the series, where Melody's adventures will take her out of the country, and Draper's personal stance on the critical issue of book banning.Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/4OjP10FCk_IT0clQqtXndRcQ0PAKey Takeaways:Sharon Draper's long teaching career and journey into writing began with a challenge from a student and led to the publishing of numerous impactful books for young readers.Draper emphasizes the importance of realistic character development, particularly when addressing disabilities in literature.In "Out of My Heart," Melody's character faces new challenges and experiences, such as summer camp, fostering themes of friendship and acceptance.There's an exciting anticipation for the third book in the "Out of My Mind" series, where Melody will continue to break barriers and undertake new adventures.Draper strongly opposes the current trend of book banning and advocates for the freedom to read and access to diverse literature.Sharon M Draper: https://www.sharondraper.com/MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are happy to welcome award winning author, Sharon Draper to The Hamilton Review Podcast!  Sharon Draper is the New York Times Bestselling author of " Out of my Mind",  a book that has been on the list for almost two years. The book has also been developed into a movie and will be distributed by Disney, coming to theaters soon! In this conversation, Mrs. Draper shares with the audience about her love of reading as a young girl and how that shaped her writing career. She also talks about her best selling book, "Out of my Mind", her long career as an educator, and so much more. This is a must listen conversation friends! Enjoy this episode! Sharon M. Draper is a professional educator as well as an accomplished writer. She has been honored as the National Teacher of the Year, is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Awards, and is a New York Times bestselling author, with Out of my Mind staying on the list for almost two years. She was selected as Ohio's Outstanding High School Language Arts Educator, Ohio Teacher of the Year, and was chosen as a NCNW Excellence in Teaching Award winner. She is a Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award winner, and was the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence for the Taft Museum. She is a YWCA Career Woman of Achievement, and is the recipient of the Dean's Award from Howard University School of Education, the Pepperdine University Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Marva Collins Education Excellence Award, and the Governor's Educational Leadership Award. Last year she was named Ohio Pioneer in Education by the Ohio State Department of Education, and in 2008 she received the Beacon of Light Humanitarian award. In 2009 she received the Doctor of Laws Degree from Pepperdine University. In 2011, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to the field of adolescent literature by The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of the National Council of Teachers of English, as well as the 33rd Annual Jeremiah Luddington Award by the Educational Book and Media Association, also for lifetime achievement. In 2015 she was honored by the American Library Association as the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime literary achievement. In 2015 she was honored with the Anne V. Zarrow Award by the Tulsa Library Trust., as well as the 2016 Upstander Award by Antioch College. She has been honored at the White House six times, and was chosen as one of only four authors in the country to speak at the National Book Festival Gala in Washington, D.C, and to represent the United States in Moscow at their Book Festival. Her book Copper Sun was named one of the 100 Best Books of All Time by TIME Magazine and was selected by the US State Department and the International Reading Association as the United States novel for the international reading project called Reading Across Continents. Students in the US, Nigeria, and Ghana are reading the book and sharing ideas-a true intercontinental, cross-cultural experience. Actively involved in encouraging and motivating all teachers and their students as well, she has worked all over the United States, as well as in Russia, Ghana, Togo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Bermuda, and Guam, spreading the word about the power of accomplished teaching and excellence in education. Her literary recognition began when, as a challenge from one of her students, she entered and won first prize in a literary contest, for which she was awarded $5000 and the publication of her short story, "One Small Torch." She has published numerous poems, articles, and short stories in a variety of literary journals. She is the published author of numerous articles, stories, and poems. Sharon Draper is an active participant in the activities of the YWCA of Cincinnati, a member of the National Council of Teachers of English, the International Reading Association, and Top Ladies of Distinction. Ms. Draper travels extensively and has been a guest on television and radio programs throughout the country, discussing issues of literature, reading, and education. She is an accomplished public speaker who addresses educational and literary groups of all ages, both nationally and internationally, with entertaining readings of her poetry and novels, as well as enlightening instructional presentations. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and a golden retriever named Honey. I learned to dream through reading, learned to create dreams through writing, and learned to develop dreamers through teaching. I shall always be a dreamer. Come dream with me. How to contact Sharon Draper: Sharon Draper's official website Sharon Draper on Instagram How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton

Hello fellow Koala Explorers, in this episode, Arya talks about her new favourite book "Blended" by the wonderful author Sharon M Draper. https://www.sharondraper.com/resources/blended Follow me on: https://www.instagram.com/koala.explorer/ ---- Music credit: The Fountain of Living Waters by Siddhartha Corsus

Hello everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Brooks Books! Today I'll be reviewing Keep It Together, Keiko Carter by Debbi Michiko Florence.  This book was amazing!!!! If you have had friend troubles you'll 100% relate to this book! The featured author of the episode is Sharon M. Draper the author of Out of My Mind and the sequel Out Of My Mind!You can also email me at brooksbooks13@gmail.com for book recommendations or if you want a shout-out! 

In this easy and light-hearted discussion with Sharon M. Draper, we talk about how much of an impact Melody has had on the world.  As she writes her 3rd book in the Out of My Mind series, she knows how important it is to continue to tell the powerful story of this beautiful and intelligent girl with CP.Sharon gives us some insight as to who is playing Mrs. V. and Melody in the upcoming movies.  Hopefully we'll be able to watch them in 2023.  I loved my chat with Sharon, and I hope you do as well.Enjoy.  And, let me know what you think. We love to hear from you. Send emails to ForOurSpecialKids@gmail.com if you have questions, topics, or an amazing person we should highlight. And, please tell a friend or caregiver about us! Follow Us on Instagram & FaceBook, @ForOurSpecialKids or go to https://www.ForOurSpecialKids.comhttps://uppbeat.io/t/lane-king/journeyLicense code: E3DYP1B4L21HSX8E

Oggi recensirò il bellissimo libro “Melody” di Sharon M. Draper, Feltrinelli editore. Grazie e buon ascolto!

Hello listeners! This week I'm reviewing Out of My Mind and Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper. I really love both of these books. You should definitely check them out. Melody Brooks, an 11-year-old girl, has cerebral palsy, which is a medical condition that affects body movement and muscle coordination. Melody is strapped into a wheelchair and can't walk or talk. Throughout these books, you'll find out how Melody learns to communicate with other kids- some like her and some completely different. Email me at theseriesreview13@gmail.com. Have a great week! Send me a voice message: https://anchor.fm/riya-b13/message This week's challenge: read one of the books I've reviewed on my podcast Edit: I will not be recording next weekend; I'm heading to my grandparents' house over Easter! I'll record whenever I get the chance. Bye!

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review Out of My Heart, by Sharon M. Draper. This is the sequel to the amazing book Out of My Mind, which I reviewed on an earlier episode! I'm so glad I get to share this book with you! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ellie-mano/message

SESLİ KİTAP İÇİMDEKİ MÜZIK SHARON M. DRAPER

SESLİ KİTAP İÇİMDEKİ MÜZIK SHARON M. DRAPER

SESLİ KİTAP İÇİMDEKİ MÜZIK SHARON M. DRAPER

SESLİ KİTAP İÇİMDEKİ MÜZIK SHARON M. DRAPER

SESLİ KİTAP İÇİMDEKİ MÜZIK SHARON M. DRAPER

SESLİ KİTAP İÇİMDEKİ MÜZIK SHARON M. DRAPER

SESLİ KİTAP İÇİMDEKİ MÜZIK SHARON M. DRAPER

SESLİ KİTAP İÇİMDEKİ MÜZIK SHARON M. DRAPER

Sharon M. Draper, Author, OUT OF MY HEART (In bookstore on November 9th 2021). Draper joined Sunday Morning Magazine to discuss her new book OUT OF MY HEART. The novel is the sequel to her acclaimed New York Times Bestseller, OUT OF MY MIND.

On this episode, I am joined by globally known New York Times bestselling author and longtime Educator/National Teacher of the Year winner Sharon M. Draper to discuss the release of her new book entitled, "Out Of My Heart," her highly anticipated sequel to Out of My Mind; whose lead character's refusal to let her health and physicality hold her back is an inspiration to EVERYONE, and particularly to those kids who have their own unique ways of making their way through our world. Sharon also shares a special personal message to kids who are currently living with health conditions. Please #subscribe and rate our show!

In the second episode back, Tori and Nicole start out by talking about their favorite coffee brands, Pumpkin Spice, and Walmart check-out lines. Nicole makes the argument for not judging a book by its cover, and Tori reveals a secret obsession and some recommendations. The resources discussed in this episode are listed below. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig; Bookriot.com His Hideous Heart by Dahlia Adler; Real by Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard; Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper; Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper; Stella By Starlight by Sharon M. Draper; Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean; "Why 'Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover' Is Bad Advice" by Gia R. Crime Junkies podcast; The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears Hulu episode; The New York Times Presents: Controlling Britney Spears Hulu episode; Britney vs. Spears Netflix documentary; lowndeslibrary.com/listen

In the fifth episode of Story on Stories, host Story Jean Brown reviews another book by Sharon M. Draper. "Blended" is a story about biracial identity, divorce, blended families, and police brutality. It's suitable for readers aged 8-12.

In the second episode of Story on Stories, host Story Jean Brown reviews Sharon M. Draper's bestselling historical novel, "Stella By Starlight."

In this conversation, Laura & I discussed dignity for our clients, loved ones, and community and how this is a vital part of recreation therapy. During this discussion, we talked about dignity, person-centered care, personhood, and more! See the links below to continue your learning on these topics:Dignity: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dignity/201108/why-dignity-mattersPerson-Centered Care: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ-aDUYqJsY&t=13sPersonhood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxM9BZeRrUI&t=217s&ab_channel=CrashCourseCrashCourse Laura's Recommended Book:Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6609765-out-of-my-mind Connect with Laura:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recwithlaura/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwW8DnxVgTOdiZcBqbXg3XgLearn More:Website: https://www.cultivatethemoments.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultivatethemomentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/cultivatethemomentsPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/CultivatethemomentsThank you for letting me share some ways to cultivate your moments. Be sure to follow along as I share more!

During this segment of the show we spoke to education experts who provide tips and information to help high school students improve their studying skills. The panelists gave guidelines on how many hours students should spend studying for each school subject. They also discussed how technology is impacting the way young people study today.

In today’s episode, I review the book Blended, by Sharon M. Draper. I have received two separate listener requests for this book—one from a listener named Chelsey, one from a listener named Claire. I also have a guest review today—I invited my friends Anne, Audrey, and Mackenzie to review this book with me. As always, if you have a book request, email me at: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. Have a great day!

Sharon M. Draper is a professional educator as well as an accomplished writer. She has been honored as the National Teacher of the Year, is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Awards, and is a New York Times bestselling author, with Out of my Mind staying on the list for almost two years.

Out of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper, is a book about a girl with cerebral palsy. Melody is starting fifth grade, and when she finds a device that allows her to speak, she learns that not everyone is ready to hear her voice. Some kids are mean, and Melody has to overcome her unique challenges. Again, if you have a book that you want me to review on the show, email me at hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. See you next week!

A message to you! (Yes you!): Hey lovely! How’s your day been going? I hope it has been growing great and that you’ve bee. Staying safe! I just hit 870 plays! Thank you all! Keep listening and sub! Weekly book recommendations: |12 before 13 by Lisa Greenwald|Out of my mind by Sharon M. Draper|Firegirl by Tony Abbot| Enjoy the episode! Thanks to Anchor for sponsoring today’s episode! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Hey everyone! Today I finished up the last couple of chapters in Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper. This was a great book! Strongly recommend. Next week I may or may not upload, but stay tuned in case I do. Email Me: 100percentrealpod@gmail.com Instagram: @100percentreal_pod Nora and Jahrie's podcast: 100percentREAL Pod Hope you enjoyed

In this episode, the first page of three middle grade books will be read:The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman,Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed, andBlended by Sharon M. Draper

Hey everyone! Welcome or welcome back to the podcast, where today I read the first 2 chapters of the November book by Sharon M. Draper. I will read to/through chapter 11 and check in there next Monday! Check out our Instagram: @100percentreal_pod Email me: 100percentrealpod@gmail.com Hope you enjoyed and dont forget to check out Nora and Jahrie over at 100percentREAL pod

In this episode, I talk about one of my favorite books of all time - "Out of my Mind" by Sharon M. Draper. It is the story of a girl who has cerebral palsy, and how she manages to changes the way everyone looks at her! Make sure to listen for more and why it made me laugh and cry while I was reading it. Don't worry - I don't reveal everything about the book. Enjoy the episode and read the book. Remember: Reading is your superpower, use it! Have you read the book? What do you think? Any other other books you recommend for me? Make sure to email me at RiyaRamblings@gmail.com! I love hearing from y'all

This is the first episode of WonderAlice Podcast. Our special guest is Nupur Lal, Special Educator, and Clinical Hypnotherapist.0:00 Intro7:42 Piaget's theory of cognitive development10:51 What we can learn from Special Ed Kids16:46 Importance of Lifeskills23:04 Novel: Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper28:30 Good Doctor TV Series29:31 Autism Spectrum Disorder31:07 Echolalia35:18 Autism Savant Syndrome38:36 Conclusion

It’s the second ever Middle Grade Ninja clips show, featuring snippets from episodes 31 through 59, including never-before-heard clips from shows that haven't yet aired. New episodes are scheduled to return January 11. Until then, enjoy this compilation of clips from conversations with AUTHORS Kate Hannigan, Allan Woodrow, Laura Martin, Sharon M. Draper, Dan Gutman, Thomas Taylor, Annie Sullivan, John Claude Bemis,Gregg Millman, Francesca Zappia, Alicia D. Williams, Nancy Richardson Fischer, Shamim Sarif, Mira Bartók, Mariama J. Lockington, Angie Karcher, Lance Rubin, Stefani Deoul, Shauna Holyoak, Jennifer Voigt Kaplan, Jillian Boehme, LITERARY AGENTS Jennifer Mattson, Carrie Pestritto, Christa Heschke, Alison Hellegers, EDITORS Molly Cusick, Lauren Smulski, and PUBLIC RELATIONS EXPERT Claire McKinney.

In this episode we talk about our favorite book “Out of my mind” BY Sharon M. Draper

The last podcast covering the book, Out of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper

My Bi-weekly Podcast for the book Out of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper.

A review of the book, Outside My Mind by Sharon M. Draper.

Breaking news! Chris is now an expert in football and Jason has a new car! The three friends talk about where we are on offensive racial slurs in 2019. What can you say, what can't you say, and why? Then a discussion about marriage as a construct: useful and productive or outdated and trash-worthy?   Trecia's recommendation - Race After Technology Jason's recommendation - Blended by Sharon M. Draper Chris's recommendation - Battlestar Galactica

Sharon M. Draper allows us to live vicariously through her with her story of writing TEARS OF A TIGER during study hall periods as an English teacher, which went on to win the Coretta Scott King Author Honor and launch the career of a literary legend. She assures me that visiting the White House never gets boring, even after the sixth time. She also shares her thoughts on education, which are well worth hearing as she was named a National Teacher of the Year. This was one of most incredible and enjoyable conversations I've ever had. Unfortunately, large parts of our talk were lost due to technical difficulties. We conducted this interview by phone out of necessity, which is why there's no video, and I used new recording software for the first and last time. But I learned a lot and you'll learn almost as much. Don't miss this amazing episode! Sharon Draper is a two-time Coretta Scott King Award-winning author, most recently for Copper Sun, and previously for Forged by Fire. She's also the recipient of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Author Award for New Talent for Tears of a Tiger and the Coretta Scott King Author Honor for The Battle of Jericho and November Blues. Her other books include Romiette and Julio, Darkness Before Dawn, and Double Dutch. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she taught high school English for twenty-five years. She's a popular conference speaker, addressing educational and literary groups both nationally and internationally.

Listen as we discuss Sharon M. Draper's "Blended," a novel about divorce, race, and identity.

We revisit Green Book, and discuss how marginalized people—or parts of a marginalized existence—are left out of mainstream stories told from a more privileged perspective. Lin rejoices in the rich conversations about disability at the launch of Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha. Margrit brings up some middle-grade novels featuring disabled protagonists. In some of them, living with disability is the main plot point, e.g., El Deafo by Cece Bell, Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper, and Wonder by R.J. Palacio. In The Magisterium series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare, the protagonist’s disability is neither easy to overlook, nor an impediment in the adventures he lives through. Question of the episode: What do you think about the pressures on marginalized people to constantly explain their marginalization? Join the conversation on Twitter at @World_ofStories or email us at worldofstoriespodcast@gmail.com.

In this bonus episode of ReadRadio, Jacque makes the BIG announcement you’ve all been waiting for: the 2018/2019 Reading Link Challenge book list! She introduces listeners to the main characters of each book, and the stories you’re about to fall in love with. Ready, set, read! The books are: 1. Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper, 2. Howard Wallace, P.I. by Casey Lyall, 3. The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney, 4. A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold, 5. The Land of Forgotten Girls by Erin Entrada Kelly, 6. Ungifted by Gordon Korman. Reading Link Challenge is a province-wide program in BC for students in grades 4 and 5 that promotes the "sport of reading." Students compete in teams to answer questions about all 6 books in a quiz challenge. Want to learn more? Check out readinglinkchallenge.ca

Sharon M. Draper, National Teacher of the Year, Author, Blended. Mrs. Draper is a professional educator, an accomplished writer and former National Teacher of the Year. She is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Award and a New York Times bestselling author. Draper has been honored at the White House six times, and was chosen as one of only four authors in the country to speak at the National Book Festival Gala in Washington, D.C. and to represent the United States in Moscow at their Book Festival.

Abbey Lee Nash debuts with a new voice along the lines of Jennifer Niven, Sharon M. Draper, and John Green, in Lifeline, a gorgeously written tale that plunges the reader into the life of popular high school senior Eli Ross who has everything... ...until an overdose at a party takes it all away.

Mr. Waffles and Pickles discuss "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper

Sharon M. Draper read from and discussed Out of My Mind, the Sunshine State Young Readers Award winner for 2011 for both elementary and middle grades on January 26, 2017. On the New York Times bestseller list for two years, Out of My Mind is the story of brilliant and witty 10-year old Melody Brooks who can't speak or walk due to severe cerebral palsy. Draper has won numerous awards for her children's and teen fiction; she is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Awards, has been the National Teacher of the Year, and received the Margaret Edwards Award for lifetime literary achievement from the American Library Association. The event was sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

The Orange County Library System brought author Sharon M. Draper to read from and discuss her book Stella by Starlight on January 26, 2017. Draper is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Award and the New York Times best-selling author of Out of My Mind. The event  was sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Almost from the first moment of hitting record on this podcast, one name kept coming up as a must-have guest and that was Sharon M. Draper. Sharon is a professional educator as well as an accomplished writer. She has been honored as the National Teacher of the Year, is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Awards, and is a New York Times bestselling author, with Out of My Mind staying on the list for almost two years. On this episode, we talk about the importance of teachers being empowered to teach outside of set curriculums and her desire to have her books read outside of the month of February. I enjoyed the honesty of our conversation and hearing her hopefulness around the future of kids loving to read. She also shared the story of how a journal from her family’s past inspired her book Stella by Starlight which won the NCTE Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children in 2016. I was excited to ask Sharon about how her book Copper Sun was selected by the US State Department and the International Reading Association as the United States novel for the international reading project called Reading Across Continents. Students in the US and Ghana read the book and then visited each other’s countries. Talk about a perfect showcase for the power of literature.   If you are looking for an author to be part of your National African American Read-In activities, Sharon Draper is a perfect choice. Not familiar with her work and need more convincing? Listen to this episode and I think you’ll have everything you need. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast in iTunes and to leave us a review so that others can see how much you are enjoying the show.  

Sharon M. Draper talks about her experiences as a writer and teacher and explains why hope and redemption describe her latest book.