The Misfits by: James Howe

So far, this book has been really engaging, and I have really gotten into the characters and the story plot. There are text to self connections as I look back at the dynamics of high school and look at the different cliques and groups of students. I really appreciate how the author writes the story from the "misfit's" point of view instead of from an outsider looking in. A very important part of the story occurs in chapter 13 when we find out the purpose of the misfits independent party: "no more names". There is a lot of bullying that happens in schools and the damage that can be done is endless. This book touches on different kinds of people that are "geeky" or stand out and aren't "normal" compared to their peers. Some of these are "misfits" because they are gay, very tall, fat, unconventional, etc. Kevin, the "jock" character is even stereotyped as the "stupid jerk" that always makes fun of people but doesn't have the smarts to back up his insults.

Predicting what the second part of the book is going to be about, I think the kids are going to create this political party for social action to stop bullying and name calling. Many kids and even adults can enjoy this book because they can relate to their own experiences in middle school and high school, and they can see how power is played in the school institution. This book is full of rich text that facilitates big ideas that can relate to pre-adolescents. This book is funny, but also has a serious undertone of the effects of bullying. I am exciting to finish reading this book, and see what Addie, Bobby, Joe, DeShawn, and Skeezi Tookis have in store for social action...