Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

Freak the Mighty. by Rodman Philbrick. Scholastic, 1993. 169 pages.

Plot: This is another story of an unlikely friendship. The main characters are Max, who has a learning disability and a huge strong body and Kevin who is incredibly intelligent and has a deformed body that refuses to grow. They were acquaintances in school, but it is not until Kevin moves into Max’s neighborhood, the summer before eighth grade, that they begin to develop as friends.   At a fireworks display, Max spontaneously lifts Kevin up onto his shoulders and this is how the two become one, known as Freak the Mighty.  Kevin is always encouraging Max and helps him to become a better reader and writer and this actually allows Max to exit his special ed. classes and join Kevin in his honors classes.  They are always together and on adventures of the mind and actual adventures in town. Things get scary when Max’s dad, Killer Kane, is released from prison and comes back to kidnap Max from his grandparents’ house.  Max then flashes back to how his father had murdered Max’s mom when he was only a child.  Kevin shows up as an unlikely hero and Killer Kane goes back to prison.  In the event you haven’t read the book I will not give away the ending. It is poignant and holds a surprise for the reader.

Review/Personal thoughts:  This was the first book I read that was recommended to me by a tween! I thoroughly enjoyed it. What a great story of friendship, tolerance and acceptance. The obvious theme of disability is present, but not exaggerated. There are also scenes dealing with bullying. Ridicule, self-worth, overcoming challenges and family are included in the story as well.  I highly recommend this book and so does at least one twelve year-old tween.

Genre: Fiction

Reading Level: 5.5 Interest level: Ages 9 to 15.

Awards: California Young Reader Medal, 1996 Winner Junior High California

Charlotte Award, 1998 Winner Young Adult United States

School Library Journal: Best Books for Young Adults, 1993

YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 1994