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Little Miami Junior High
5290 Morrow Cozaddale Rd
Morrow, Ohio 45152
Principal, Brian Bailey
| Author: | Mr. Bailey | |||
| Posted: | 4/17/06; 10:45:39 AM | |||
| Topic: | Freak the Mighty | |||
| Msg #: | 169 (top msg in thread) | |||
| Prev/Next: | 94/211 | |||
| Reads: | 1470 |
Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
Summary: Max is a big eighth grader in learning disabilities classes whose father is in prison for murder. When he makes friends with his brilliant neighbor, with a serious birth defect, they become a team.
Freak the Mighty is an unusual, well-written young adult novel. Although likely to be classified as realistic fiction, it has many elements of fantasy and fairy tale: the handicapped hero who is bigger than life, exciting quests, events that have numerous levels of meaning, and magical moments. Philbrick's novel of two handicapped and troubled young men, one smaller than a yardstick and the other outgrowing size thirteen shoes, is about the strength of friendship, family, intelligence, and life. The poignant story is told from the perspective of Max, who through the life and death of his friend Kevin, learns to respect his own intelligence and endure his own frightening heritage.
Philbrick's novel, most appropriate for middle school readers, has won significant critical acclaim and is an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. It is an excellent book to teach and to discuss. Not only will adolescent readers devour it and rejoice in the victories of Max and Kevin, but teachers will love all its teachable themes.
Freak the Mighty is a mandatory summer reading assignment. The first 2 weeks of school will revolve around the novel. The novel must be completely read before the first day of school. It is a great read, so this shouldn't be hard.