Freak the Mighty

Courage comes in all sizes.

An ALA Best Book for Young Adult Readers
Judy Lopez Memorial Award Honor Book
California Young Reader Medal
Arizona Young Readers' Award Winner
Maryland Children's Book Award Winner
Wyoming Soaring Eagle Award Winner
Nebraska Golden Sower Award Winner
An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
New York State Reading Association Charlotte Award Winner

Freak the Mighty is the unforgettable story of two unlikely friends who join forces to vanquish the bullies who belittle them. Max Kane is an angry, oversized boy with a father in prison, and even his grandparents whisper fearfully about him. All his life he's been called dumb, stupid, and slow. He accepts the facts that his brain is vacant -- until another unusual boy moves into the neighborhood: Kevin, a weird-looking, twisted up kid with a tiny body and crutches. Kevin, also mocked and taunted, has the brilliant mind of a genius. So when the punks start mouthing off about "Frankenstein and Igor" and the "freak show," they are in for a surprise. Because when Kevin is on Max's shoulders, together they become Freak the Mighty, "nine feet tall, and strong enough to walk through the walls."

"...mesmerizingly suspenseful...poignant...an intriguing and unusual story." -- Kirkus Reviews, pointered review

"A wonderful story...memorable and luminous...somewhat different and very special." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"...riveting and poignant, with solid characters, brisk pacing, and...a little humor to carry us along." -- Booklist, boxed review

Meet Maxwell Kane, narrator of Freak the Mighty. He’s a timid soul stuck in the body of a teenage giant with size 14 shoes. Haunted by a dark secret in his past, he hides out in his basement room, avoiding the world. But when a new kid moves in next door Max’s life changes forever. The two outcasts form the ‘normal’ world team up to become “Freak the Mighty.”

Like knights of old they defend the weak, right every wrong–and solve the mystery of Max’s past. Proving once and for all that courage comes in all sizes.