Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Freak the Mighty

We finished our class read-aloud of Freak the Mighty written by Rodman Philbrick. Our class had an interesting discussion in the front lobby. Ask your student about the ending of the book. Here is a review of Freak the Mighty from the School Library Journal.

 

From School Library Journal

A wonderful story of triumph over imperfection, shame, and loss. Large, awkward, learning- disabled Maxwell Kane, whose father is in prison for murdering his mother, and crippled, undersized Kevin are both mocked by their peers; the cruel taunting they endure is all too realistic and believable. The boys establish a friendship-and a partnership. Kevin defends them with his intelligence, while Max is his friend's "legs," affording him a chance to participate in the larger world. Inspired by tales of King Arthur, they become knights fighting for good and true causes. But Kevin's illness progresses, and when he dies, Max is left with the memories of an extraordinary relationship and, perhaps, the insight to think positively about himself and his future. The author writes with empathy, honoring the possibilities of even peripheral characters; Kevin and Max are memorable and luminous. Many novels deal with the effects of a friend dying, but this one is somewhat different and very special.