Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

Title: Freak the Mighty
Author: Rodman Philbrick
Page Count: 169
Rating: A
Keywords: Friendship, Growing Up, Middle School, Don't judge a book by its cover
Genre: Children's Fiction
Younger Readers: This is a children's book so the content should be appropriate for most readers. There is a parental figure in jail and certain parts of the book may be too intense for very young (preschool age) children.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Two boys – a slow learner stuck in the body of a teenage giant and a tiny Einstein in leg braces – forge a unique friendship when they pair up to create one formidable human force. A wonderful story of triumph over imperfection, shame, and loss.

My Review:

I read this for work and when I first skimmed the synopsis and looked at the cover I honestly was not expecting too much from this book. I thought I would be a little bored. I was happy to learn that I was horribly wrong.

Having a book surprise me is always one of the greatest joys of being a reader. There were obvious messages present throughout the novel, as with most children's books. Two of the main points were "don't judge a book by its cover" and then the importance of friendship. Kevin (Freak) is brainy and loveable, never letting his physical disabilities hold him back, while Max (the Mighty portion of Freak the Mighty) is much sweeter than his hulking physical presence would suggest. The way that they help one another grow throughout the novel is fun to read and shows the importance of a good friendship and how transformative love, even when its not in the romantic sense that many books push more heavily, can be.

There was also a sense of mystery that I enjoyed. Philbrick alludes to Max's past but does not let on what has truly transpired until the very end of the book. These little hints were not too difficult to pick out and guess as an adult reader but children will definitely be left guessing a bit more. In this way there is a greater sense of suspense that will keep reader's engaged.

This book is really great and at only 169 pages it will not take you long to read. Pick this one up. You won't regret diving into this unexpected treasure.

Kinda Sorta a Spoiler but Not Really:

If you're a crier, grab some tissues.