Freak the Mighty

Philbrick, Rodman. Freak the Mighty. Scholastic Inc, 1993. ISBN: 0-439-28606-9

Plot
Max was used to being called names, of having people scared of him, of knowing that he had a big strong body and not much of a mind. Max was used to being alone and not having any close friends or relationships. All this is changed when Freak and his mom move into the neighborhood. This small kid with crutches seems to know everything and starts talking about how awesome Max is. Max may not know what Freak is talking about most of the time, but the two do start having an unlikely friendship.

Critical Evaluation
The whole premise of the book is very unique. An unlikely friendship between two opposites which changes the lives of each other. However, it is fun for the reader to listen to Freak's intelligent rants while Max is trying to keep up with his mind while looking out for Freak's physical well-being. There are some serious adult themes such as child abuse and physical handicaps but the characters and story handle these themes so great that the reader is not depressed at the end of the book.

Reader's Annotation
Max is a big boy with big muscles, but not much brain. Freak is a boy on crutches with an incredible mind. Together they start an unlikely friendship that takes them through many adventures.

About the Author
Rodman Philbrick is a native of the New England Coast. He worked as a boat builder and longshoreman. Initially he wrote mysteries and detective novels for adults. He has also written several novels dealing with genetic engineering as well as some thrillers.

Philbrick has written several books for YA in addition to Freak the Mighty. Currently, he and his wife split their time between Maine and Florida Keys.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Friendship fiction
Disabilities fiction

Book Talking Ideas
Why do you think the friendship between Freak and Max works so well?
Did the disabilities of Max and Freak limit them in any way?
Do you have a friendship where the two of you were very different?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
There are swears within the text.

Challenge Answer
The language does not occur too often or is very bad. It adds to the character of Freak and his emotions.

Why Included in Selection
The story is very interesting and full of great themes and characters.