Customer Reviews: Read 520 more reviews...
 A Modern Classic September 25, 2008
Lit Chic (The Lone Star State)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
There are not many novels that can be done as a novel study for a squirmy, ADD class of preteens. Not many books will hold their attention from page 1 to the end. Very few novels will have a class on the edge of their seats, and even fewer will be able to offer students from all socioeconomic levels some character with which they can identify.
Freak the Mighty is one of those very few.
This novel was introduced to me by a mentor teacher on my campus. This dear lady is an unsung hero and a second mother to me. Even though I adore her, I was skeptical as to whether or not this book was really as good for the kids as she claimed. I didn't give her enough credit.
Freak and Max are best friends who are total opposites: Freak is smart, Max isn't; Freak is small, Max is huge. They are both societal outcasts. They both have secrets. Their struggles and their friendship appeal to almost every kind of student. This novel is perfect for reluctant readers, and perfect for classroom discussion. Really, it is at its best when used in the classroom (it is mentioned in Trelease's The Read-Aloud Handbook: Sixth Edition (Read-Aloud Handbook)).
What is so genius about this work is that Philbrick writes it in Max's ego-centric voice, so students can easily identify with it, but Philbrick uses the experiences of Freak the Mighty to refocus that ego-centrism into broadening the reader's frame of reference without the reader knowing it. The novel is simply beautiful: a fast-paced, well-knit read that belongs (and already is) in the modern cannon of literature. Highly, highly recommended.
Great coming-of-age novel September 17, 2008
P. Smith (Wisconsin)
A great young adult coming-of-age novel - especially for boys, I think. Freak (Kevin), a dwarf, and Max, extremely tall, are at once an unlikely and yet perfect match. Their friendship and reliance on one another has a child-like innocence and devotion that is very appealing. The story, told through Max's voice never allows us to feel pity for the characters. We do however, cheer their resilience and strength.
A Wonderful Story! May 30, 2008
John C. Balch (Milford, NH USA)
Some love this book, some pan it. I loved it. Philbrick specializes in creating deep characters who are very different but somehow form alliances based on discovered caring and talents. The story is uplifting and promotes healthy values. A quick read, and very hard to put down!
Freak The Mighty??.....&..The Mighty??... Max The Mighty ..Movie?? May 18, 2008
D. Scott (CO USA)
I saw The mighty DVD Movie, and want to read the book...but what confuses me is that.."The Mighty Book"..has the same reviews as "FREAK THE MIGHTY BOOK"..and now I found MAX The Mighty...Are these 3 books different stories or the same book with a a Differrent Title...In one review," FREAK THE MIGHTY..is called a "sequeal".. Yet when I read reviews, they seem like the same identical Book...???
"Freak The Mighty "by Rodman Philbrick April 11, 2008
Gary E. Gillis (Amazon, Nevada)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
My son who is fifteen came home in the beginning of the school year 07 and was wild about a book, but couldn't remember to tell me its proper title. It has been a struggle to get him to read anything other than the covers to the next PS3 gangster/ mafia blue ray game.
I purchased this book on a lark that maybe he might read something about an odd friendship, seeing as he is forever dragging home misfit types to befriend. When the book arrived he saw it and his face lit up,while yelping "this is the book I told you about", my heart sank thinking I had wasted my money, he had already read it.Promptly he took the book upstairs to his room and didn't put it down until it was finished. It has got to be interesting and well written. Best of all it actually proved to be more powerful and captivating to a fifteen year old than a PS3 game.
Now my son has asked me if there are anymore books by the same author, smiling I answered "of course my boy of course"
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