The Misfits by James Howe

1. Bibliography


Howe, James. 2001. The Misfits. Aladdin: New York. ISBN 978-0-689-83956-6.



2. Summary


Bobby has a hard time in junior high. He really has to help out at home since the death of his mother, so he has to get a job as a tie salesman. He is also really smart. But school for him is not that much fun, except for his small group of friends. The are all outcasts of sorts. Bobby is fat, Addie is tall (and extremely outspoken), Skeezie is perceived as a hooligan, and Joe is gay. Addie decides that the four of them should form a third party in the upcoming school election. They decide that their platform will be to represent the "losers." They run into all sorts of problems. But finally they make a splash by using their slogan "Sticks and Stones may break our bones, but names will break our spirit." Bobby breaks out of his shell and he gets behind the movement and truly finds out who he is in the process. He sees that there is more to everyone, even the popular kids, than meets the eye.



3. Impressions

This book really spoke to me. There are not too many people that can say they went through school without getting called some kind of name. Adults see that it is happening, but they don't try to do anything about it. This group of kids decides to take a stand and do something about it. They risk a lot by coming out like this, but they do it anyway. They see that they are not the only ones, everyone struggles with this. Howe's writing style makes the book easy to read and the story is good. You really want the kids to win and you find yourself cheering for Bobby as he makes his first speech in front of the whole school.
I think that young adults will connect with the characters in this book. There is a character in this story for everyone. It will help kids see that they are not alone.




4. Reviews

Reviews taken from http://www.amazon.com/Misfits-James-Howe/dp/0689839561/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228263353&sr=1-1


From Publishers Weekly What do a 12-year-old student who moonlights as a tie salesman, a tall, outspoken girl, a gay middle schooler and a kid branded as a hooligan have in common? Best friends for years, they've all been the target of cruel name-calling and now that they're in seventh grade, they're not about to take it any more. In this hilarious and poignant novel, Howe (Bunnicula; The Watcher) focuses on the quietest of the bunch, overweight Bobby Goodspeed (the tie salesman), showing how he evolves from nerd to hero when he starts speaking his mind. Addie (the outspoken girl) decides that the four of them should run against more popular peers in the upcoming student council election. But her lofty ideals and rabble-rousing speeches make the wrong kind of waves, offending fellow classmates, teachers and the principal. It is not until softer-spoken Bobby says what's in his heart about nicknames and taunts that people begin to listen and take notice, granting their respect for the boy they used to call "Lardo" and "Fluff." The four "misfits" are slightly larger than life wiser than their years, worldlier than the smalltown setting would suggest, and remarkably well-adjusted but there remains much authenticity in the story's message about preadolescent stereotyping and the devastating effects of degrading labels. An upbeat, reassuring novel that encourages preteens and teens to celebrate their individuality. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal Gr 4-8-Howe's versatility, gift for wordplay, and distinct brand of humor have produced books that create an emotional connection with a wide range of audiences. Regrettably, this novel is a misfit. Bobby Goodspeed, an overweight seventh grader who lives with his underachieving father, narrates the book. He works part-time as a tie salesman in a department store. He and his unpopular friends, known as the "Gang of Five," decide to run for student council on an alternative platform called the "No-Name-Party." The candidates must face-off with the administration and opposing parties, and convince their fellow classmates of the damage caused by name-calling. In the process, members of the group learn about love, loss, and the true meaning of diversity. Unfortunately, The Misfits rambles rather than flows. Bobby's long-winded narration is written in a passive voice and sprinkled with only occasional dialogue. When the characters do speak, their formal dialogue (presented as minutes from the friends' Floating Forum meetings) goes on for pages on end, lacking any commentary from Bobby. It is not until the last third of the novel that readers begin to identify with the characters and bask in the success of Bobby's political partners.Louie Lahana, New York City Public Schools
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.