Fans have waited over 10 years for the sequel to “Out of My Mind,” and now they will know what happens to Melody after the events of the original novel.
Sharon Draper, author, joined us today to discuss her latest novel, “Out of My Heart.”
This is the highly anticipated sequel to Sharon Draper’s beloved, award-winning novel, “Out of My Mind” (2010), about a brilliant 11-year-old girl who will not let cerebral palsy (a disorder that affects the body’s ability to control its movements) define her.
In “Out of My Mind,” we met Melody Brooks, whose brain works lightspeed ahead of most kids, but who cannot keep up physically; her only way of communicating is with a communication board. Her utter refusal to let her physicality hold her back has inspired countless readers around the world, and over the years, Sharon has received thousands of letters about her many books, but kids most often ask: what happens to Melody after Out of My Mind? Out of My Heart is her response to those readers yearning for more of Melody’s impactful story.
In “Out of My Heart,” Melody is a year older (and braver) and takes the next step towards independence by attending summer camp for the first time. Melody is all alone at the camp, which is designed for children with disabilities. Melody must confront her fears to follow her passion. By the light of flickering campfires and the power of thunderstorms, through the terror of unexpected creatures in cabins and the first sparkle of a crush, Melody is about to discover how brave and strong she really is.
Sharon M. Draper Bio:
She is a New York Times bestselling author and a recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award honoring her significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens. She has received the Coretta Scott King Award for both Copper Sun and Forged by Fire, and was awarded the Charlotte Huck Award for Stella by Starlight. Her novel Out of My Mind has won multiple awards and was a New York Times bestseller for over four years, and Blended has also been a New York Times bestseller. She taught high school English for twenty-five years and was named National Teacher of the Year. She currently resides in Florida. Visit her at SharonDraper.com. Twitter: @sharonmdraper, @simonteen, Instagram: @sharonmdraper, @simonteen
If you loved Barney Fife from “The Andy Griffith Show,” you’ll love this! Karen Knotts, acclaimed actress and daughter of legendary comedian Don Knotts, pays tribute to father in her recently released memoir, Tied Up in Knotts.
During her childhood and her teenage years, Karen says she and her father often “butted heads” over her desire to enter show business: “I always wanted to be an actress, even when I was young, but he said, ‘No, that’s not a good life for a child.”
Despite his warning, she said that he supported her “100 percent in the end” when she started performing at age 16. She attended Beverly Hills High School and went on to study at the USC School of Cinema Arts.
As a young comedienne, Karen toured with her father in many plays across the US. In 2006, following her father’s death, she created her one-woman, live stage show, “Tied Up in Knotts”, which she has taken on the road through 32 states. The show honors Don’s life with stories, jokes, and characters.
Knotts also writes for the stage; her one-woman play Roger and Betsy was nominated for the Merce Awards in 2009. She has written two plays, Dates from Hell the Musical, and a farce, But We Open Tonite.
For more information visit, KarenKnotts.com.
After a challenging year, it may be difficult to keep a positive attitude about life and the future. Britney Ruby Miller, CEO of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, author and speaker highlights how everyone can find inspiration and something celebrate in her new book, 5-Star Life: The Faithful Fight to Overcome Obstacles and Pursue Excellence.
For more information visit, britrubymiller.com/books.
THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY 5-STAR LIFE.
As we come out of the pandemic, Michelle Gambs, parenting coach, author and psychotherapist, has what you need to know about normal team behavior that may not feel normal to you,
Below are three topics she covered in today’s segment. Watch the video above for all the details.
1. 5 normal needs that your child/teen is getting met and why the 5th need has parents holding their breath
2. Why it is important for us parents to be a “dispassionate cop” with our teenagers. What is that?
3. Why punishment is ineffective and consequences work — especially consequences with the “4 Rs
For more information visit, michellegambs.com.
Author John Grisham gets Producer Peggy’s interview pick this week with his new book, “Sooley” his fourth in a series of sports related novels. Did you know he also writes children’s books? Indy Style host, Amber Hankins finds out more about the many talents and interests of the New York Times best-selling author.
Click here and enter for a chance to win the John Grisham sports collection.
For more information on John’s new book, visit JGrisham.com/books/sooley.
New York Times best-selling author John Grisham has written 36 novels, and is best known for his popular legal thrillers. Many have been made into blockbuster movies.
Now he steps out of the courtroom and on to the basketball court for his latest novel, “Sooley.” This is the fourth in a series of sports related novels.
Samuel “Sooley” Sooleymon is a raw, young talent with big hoop dreams and even bigger challenges off the court.
From his drive to succeed on the court to the devastating news of the civil war in his home country of Sudan and his determination to bring his family to America, Sooley is a gripping and moving story.
This novel shows John Grisham’s storytelling power and nobody tells a better story than John Grisham.
Now, we have some exciting news! We are giving you a have chance to win all four of his sports novels.
Click here and enter for a chance to win the John Grisham sports collection.
For more information on John’s new book, visit JGrisham.com/books/sooley.
During these historically stressful times, many people are experiencing mental health challenges. Now, just in time to help, a new book is coming out from Dr. Daniel Amen, one of the top psychiatrists and brain researchers in the nation.
The book is called, Your Brain is Always Listening: Tame the Hidden Dragons That Control Your Happiness, Habits and Hang-ups.
Dr. Amen is the author of twelve New York Times best-selling books who the Washington Post has called the most popular psychiatrist in America.
He is also the founder of Amen clinics with 9 locations across America and has produced 15 national public television specials about the brain.
About The Book:
New York Times bestselling author Dr. Daniel Amen equips you with powerful weapons to battle the inner dragons that are breathing fire on your brain, driving unhealthy behaviors, and robbing you of joy and contentment. Your brain is always listening and responding to these hidden influences and unless you recognize and deal with them, they can steal your happiness, spoil your relationships, and sabotage your health.
This book will teach you to tame the:
- Dragons from the Past that ignite your most painful emotions
- Negative Thought Dragons that attack you, fueling anxiety and depression
- They and Them Dragons, people in your life whose own dragons do battle with yours
- Bad Habit Dragons that increase the chances you’ll be overweight, overwhelmed, and an underachiever
- Addicted Dragons that make you lose control of your health, wealth, and relationships
- Scheming Dragons, advertisers and social media sites that steal your attention
For more information, visit: yourbrainisalwayslistening.com and danielamenmd.com.
THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS.