Freak the Mighty
#1 of 2 in Freak The Mighty Series
on Goodreads (54,385)
What’s inside...
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.
Why read this book
- Explores themes of friendship and resilience.
- Encourages empathy and understanding of differences.
- Uplifting story about overcoming challenges.
- Ideal for enhancing emotional and social skills.
Character compass
Maxwell Kane
Kevin Avery
Grim (Max'S Grandfather)
Gwen Avery
Gram (Max'S Grandmother)
Tony D. (Blade)
Iggy Lee
Kenneth Kane
Loretta Lee
Discussion points
How do Max and Kevin each help each other overcome their individual challenges?
What does the phrase 'Freak the Mighty' symbolize in the story, and how does it change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Why do you think the author chose to mix elements of adventure with real-life struggles?
How do the characters in the book show courage and kindness in difficult situations?
What did you learn about friendship and accepting others’ differences from 'Freak the Mighty'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the themes of friendship and bravery portrayed in the book.
Encourage your child to relate the characters’ experiences to their own life. Ask if they've ever faced similar challenges or had similar relationships.
Use specific scenes from the book as examples to make the discussion more concrete and relatable.
Praise your child’s responses and insights, reinforcing their thinking and encouraging them to delve deeper into the story's message.
Discuss the growth of the characters over time and ask your child how they think they’ve grown or changed themselves this year.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: In 'Freak the Mighty,' the friendship between Max and Kevin demonstrates how true camaraderie can bring out the best in individuals and help them overcome personal challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build supportive friendships where they help and uplift each other, which is vital for emotional and social growth.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The book portrays the unique physical and intellectual characteristics of Max and Kevin, showing how their differences complement each other, leading to a stronger bond.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to embrace and celebrate differences among peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in community settings.
Example Lesson: Courage to face challenges
Explanation: Max and Kevin face various adversities, but together they tackle these challenges bravely, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to face their own difficulties with courage, understanding that facing challenges is a part of life and can be managed with determination and support.
Example Lesson: Value of education
Explanation: Kevin's thirst for knowledge and his use of it to solve problems throughout the book highlights the importance of education and learning.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to pursue knowledge and use it creatively can help them in academics and real-life problem solving.
Example Lesson: Understanding personal identity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Max, with Kevin’s help, learns to understand his own value and begins to see himself beyond his physical appearance and family history.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children with self-discovery and improving self-esteem by understanding and accepting their own identities.