Book Review The Misfits by James Howe

Genre:
Realistic Fiction

Interest Level:
Ages 10-13

Reading Level:
Lexile 960, Grade 5 and up

Book Theme:
Friendship, bullying, death of a family member, school cliques

Books with Similar Themes: 
Rosie Swanson by Barbara Park, Who Ran My Underwear Up the Flagpole? by Jerry Spinelli

Bibliographic Information: 
Howe, J. (2001). The misfits. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.



Plot:   
The Misfits by James Howe is the story of Bobby, Addie, Joe, and Skeezie, four social misfit friends who decide to form their own political party and run for the student council. Their party is called the No-Name Party, and the party's slogan is "Sticks and stones may break our bones, but names will break out spirit." Their political momentum begins when Addie refuses to say the pledge of allegiance and then tries to form their third political party despite the disapproval of the teacher. As their campaign takes shape the four friends brainstorm all of the names they have been called and then hanging posters on the school walls they have created with the words crossed out. After they reveal themselves they begin to gain support for their campaign and it seems they actually have a change of winning.  The story, told from Bobby's point of view, deals with a number of complex issues including the death of Bobby's mother, his relationship with his father and boss in a department store, and his crush on a girl in his class. The story ends positively for all of the tweens, showing their inner-strength, courage, and potential for future greatness.

Review:  
The Misfits is a phenomenal book that deals with issues of many tweens including bullying, crushes, death, questioning adults and establishing independence. All of the characters have distinct personalities and deal with unique struggles in their lives. Their friendship is central to the book and is what keeps them going despite the name calling and the bullying. One of the highlights of their friendship is their weekly forum meetings in which they discuss important current issues at school. This is an excellent book for any tween who has been bullied, has lost a parent, has a crush and is shy about it, or who wants to stand up the status-quot. The book influenced National No-Name week in schools to help prevent teenage bullying. This influential book is one that will inspire tweens from any social clique and one that will teach tweens that they are more than the names they are called.

 Notable Tweens Characters: 

Bobby Goodspeed- The main character of the story, Bobby is an overweight tween who lives with his widowed father. He works as a tie salesman at Awkworth and Ames Department store and deals with an uptight boss named Mr. Kellerman ( he refers to him as Mr. Killerman). Bobby is shy and self-conscious but as the story progressive he proves to be well-spoken and an excellent diplomat. Some of the names Bobby is called are Fatso, Fluff, and Loser.

Joe Bunch- Joe is a tween who likes to be called something different every week. Jordan, JoDan, and Scorpio are just some of the names he alternates between. Joe is gay and has a crush on a boy named Colin, but is afraid to tell him because of his reaction and the social consequences. One of Joe's biggest interests is fashion. Some of names he is called are sissy, girly, and a number of homophobic terms.

Addie Carle- Addie is a brilliant girl who loves to challenge authority and the status-quot. She has a crush on a boy named Colin and thinks he likes her back but isn't sure. Addie is headstrong and can be argumentative at times, but is also willing to listen to the input of her friends. One of the highlights of the book is Addie's challenging her teacher Mrs. Wyman on a number of issues and the conflict that follows. Some of the names Addie is called are beanpole, know-it-all- geek, and loser.

Skeezie Tookis- Skeezie is a bit of a loner who often looks dirty and like a hooligan. He was a trouble maker in the past but has since called down bit, although he still has a rebellious streak. He is sometimes impatient and often gets frustrated with the wait staff at their favorite restaurant. He is very loyal to his friends. Some of the names he has been called include greaser, grease monkey, and loser.