Out of My Mind: Chapters 12–18

by Sharon M. Draper
Born with cerebral palsy, Melody has difficulty communicating with others — but in spite of the obstacles she faces, Melody is determined to prove how smart she really is.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: Chapters 1–5, Chapters 6–11, Chapters 12–18, Chapters 19–25, Chapters 26–33
15 words 1861 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. mobility
    the quality of moving freely
    Mom was especially pleased to find out I’d been assigned a “mobility assistant” — an aide of my own.
  2. aide
    someone who acts as an assistant
    Mom was especially pleased to find out I’d been assigned a “mobility assistant” — an aide of my own.
  3. coordination
    the skillful and effective interaction of movements
    When Mrs. V sets Penny back down, Penny pokes her lips out, throws Doodle on the floor, and wraps both her arms around her chest. I laugh. I wish I had enough coordination to have “attitude”!
  4. accumulate
    collect or gather
    Mrs. Shannon rolls all of us closer so we can watch the snow accumulate on the grass and trees.
  5. communication
    the activity of conveying information
    Catherine and I research all kinds of electronic talking and communication devices that have been designed for people like me. Lots of them seem as clunky and awkward as our room computer.
  6. financial
    involving fiscal matters
    A parental financial statement has to be turned in.
  7. overwhelming
    very intense
    Many levels have been left blank for users to input their own information — words, sentences, phone numbers, even pictures. Information can be typed directly into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a computer. It’s a little overwhelming.
  8. intently
    with strained or eager attention
    Rose is looking intently at me.
  9. exasperation
    a feeling of annoyance
    “Sit down, Connor!” the teacher said with exasperation.
  10. anticipation
    expecting with confidence of fulfillment
    She smiled at me — a look of anticipation on her face.
  11. petulant
    easily irritated or annoyed
    “She can’t even sit up by herself!” Claire replied, her voice petulant.
  12. defiance
    a hostile challenge
    “Then we’ll just have to study and show them they’re wrong!” Catherine said, a hint of defiance edging her voice.
  13. indignation
    a feeling of righteous anger
    “So, you aced the quiz and then bombed the follow-up?” she said to me, indignation decorating her words.
  14. stifle
    conceal or hide
    Even Rose had covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.
  15. convulsion
    a violent uncontrollable contraction of muscles
    Nobody peeked their head in the door to see if I was absent or sick or maybe having a convulsion in the middle of the floor.
Created on Sun May 22 14:04:21 EDT 2016 (updated Fri Aug 01 16:42:04 EDT 2025)

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