Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Freak the Mighty


Author/Authors: Rodman Phillbrick

Type or emotional/crisis issue(s) addressed:
FRIENDSHIP, DEATH, INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Year of Publication:
1993

Publisher & Location:
Scholastic Paperbacks

ISBN #:
0439286069

Target Age Level:
Upper elementary

# of Pages:
176

Quality of Illustrations:
None

Brief Summary: Maxwell Kane lives with his grandparents after his father allegedly killed his mother. He is picked on and also is in special education which adds to his low self-esteem. He then meets Kevin (aka freak) who has a rare birth defect where his body does not grow like it is supposed to. Kevin is very smart and has a very active imagination. Max carries Kevin all over the place and Kevin is the “brain” of their duo friendship is called Freak the Mighty. In the end of the story, Kevin dies and Max is left with his memory of their friendship. Max’s dad also kidnaps his son and attempts to harm him as well. This story has multiple emotional/crisis issues that can be talked about.

Post reading activity:
I found a website that a teacher put together that has questions after every chapter or two. This would be a good guide to use when asking questions. There is also a Jeopardy game which would be fun to use. The link is http://www.cowden-herrick.k12.il.us/staff/burruscasey/elearning/ftm/activities.html .

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