Out of Heart
#2 of 3 in Out of My Mind Series
on Goodreads (12,733)
What’s inside...
Donating your heart is the most precious gift of all. Adam is a teenage boy who lives with his mum and younger sister. His dad has left them although lives close by. His sister no longer speaks. His mum works two jobs. Adam feels the weight of the world upon his shoulders. Then his grandfather dies and in doing so he donates a very precious gift - his heart. William is the recipient of Adam's grandfather's heart. He has no family and feels rootless and alone. In fact, he feels no particular reason to live. And then he meets Adam's family. William has received much, but it appears that he has much to offer Adam and his family too. A powerful tale of love and strength in adversity. Melody, the huge-hearted heroine of Out of My Mind, is now a year older and a year braver. But not as brave as she wants to be, as she’s terrified of horses. Even though she loves horses—loves loves loves them—from afar. Not one to be thwarted, Melody decides summer camp, one with horseback riding, should be her next challenge. Except, are there even riding camps for differently-abled kids? Ones that would welcome a kid with cerebral palsy? She’s going to find out.
Discussion points
How do you think Adam felt when he discovered his grandfather's secrets? What would you do in his place?
What does the heart symbolize in this story? Can you think of other symbols that might represent family or love?
What did you learn about the importance of communication and forgiveness from the characters in the book?
Why do you think the author chose to weave themes of art and creativity throughout the story? How do they contribute to the overall message?
How did the relationships in the book change from the beginning to the end? What can we learn from these changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s characters and events, linking them to their own experiences. Use the narrative and its themes as a gateway to discuss broader topics such as empathy, family dynamics, and personal growth. Highlighting the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the characters can lead to deep, reflective conversations. Employ creative activities like drawing or writing a letter to a character to further engage with the text and enrich the reading experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Out of Heart', the protagonist Adam learns to understand and empathize with the complexities of his family members, especially his grandfather. As the story progresses, his journey reflects a deepening understanding of others' emotions and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to respect and acknowledge the feelings and experiences of their peers and family members, fostering a more compassionate and empathetic community.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The book illustrates the significance of family relationships through Adam's interaction with his family members. Despite challenges, the value of maintaining and cherishing family bonds is emphasized.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value and nurture their relationships with family members, understanding that despite differences and difficulties, family is a fundamental support system.
Example Lesson: Coping with Grief
Explanation: Adam’s family experiences significant loss, which is dealt with in various ways by different characters. The story explores themes of grief and the healing process associated with it.
Real-World Application: Children learn that experiencing and expressing grief is a natural part of life. It encourages them to find healthy ways to cope with loss and supports them in understanding and expressing their emotions.
Example Lesson: The Beauty of Diversity
Explanation: The book is set in a culturally rich environment that celebrates diversity. Through the characters and their backgrounds, the story showcases the strength and beauty found in diverse communities.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate different cultures and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and respect for everyone regardless of their heritage.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Challenges
Explanation: Throughout 'Out of Heart', Adam faces various personal and familial challenges. His courage to confront these obstacles head-on is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges in their lives with courage, understanding that facing problems directly can lead to growth and resolution.