Freak+the+Mighty

Summary:
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. School Library Journal 12/1/93 Lexile: 1000

Book Talk from Booktalks Quick and Simple:
Maybe you’ve had times in your life where you felt like you didn’t fit it. Maybe you’ve felt like a misfit, or even a freak. This is the story of two misfits, and their unusual friendship. First, there’s Max Kane, an 8th grade giant of a kid, who is learning disabled and convinced that he has no brain. He lives with his grandparents since his mom is dead and his dad’s in prison. Second, there’s Kevin Avery, or as Max calls him--Freak. He’s an 8th grader too, with a severe growth problem. He’s a little dude, only about two feet tall with crutches and a brain like Einstein. He knows everything there is to know about technology, Star Trek, and King Arthur. Anyway, when Freak moves into Max’s neighborhood, the two boys greet each other. . .sort of. Most people might say something like, “Hello!” or “My name is Kevin, what’s yours?”, but not Freak. When he spots Max staring at the movers, Kevin says, “Identify yourself, earthling, or suffer the consequences.” Max is like, what? He thinks this is one weird kid. It’s a strange beginning for a friendship, but somehow it works. When these two misfits join forces, they become “Freak the Mighty”! With Kevin riding around on Max’s shoulders, they can use Freak’s brain and Max’s brawn to create a force to be reckoned with! Like King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table, they will protect the weak, rescue fair maidens, and battle evil forces, including secrets from Max's past. (Lisa Barkhurst, Youth Services Librarian, Woodmont Library, King County Library System, )

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