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Overview
Dumb, stupid, and slow. All Max's life, he'd been called these names, and it didn't help that people were afraid of him. So Max learned to be alone--at least until Freak came along. Together, they were Freak the Mighty. A major motion picture from Miramax Films starring Sharon Stone, Gena Rowlands, and Harry Dean Stanton. January 1998 publication date. Unabridged.At the beginning of eighth grade, learning disabled Max and his new friend Freak, whose birth defect has affected his body but not his brilliant mind, find that when they combine forces they make a powerful team.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly -
Two eighth-grade misfits-one physically impaired, the other with a learning disability-become fast friends in a story PW found ``choked with clichs and stereotypes.'' Ages 10-14. (May)Children's Literature -
Two other heroes become larger than life in Freak the Mighty when Max Kane, a boy of big stature and slow mind meets Kevin, a dwarf with genius ability. Max puts Kevin on his shoulders, and they become victorious against drug addicts, bullies and killers. They seem almost invincible until the book's end where the upbeat writing and unlikely heroism rescues the novel from sadness.School Library Journal
Gr 6-9-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 YA novels deal with the effects of a friend dying, but this one is somewhat different and very special.-Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NYBook Details
Published
June 12, 1998
Publisher
Scholastic Academic
Pages
169
Format
Paperbound
ISBN
9780590110228