The Misfits

Howe, J. (2001). The Misfits. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Interest level: Grades 5-8

Reading level: 5+

This is the story of four seventh-grade students who call themselves the "Gang of Five" to keep people on their toes. None of these kids really fit in with anyone else, but managed to find each other because they are the kids who get picked on and called names at school. Bobby, the narrator, is overweight, Addie is made fun of for being tall and for her love of school, Skeezie is seen as a hoodlum because of his style of dress and his lack of hygiene and Joe is coming to terms with his sexuality. All they want to do is survive middle school, but the other students don't seem to be on board with that. They decide to fight back and form the No Name Calling Party during student council elections. Although they lose the elections they are successful in instituting a "No Name Calling Day" at their school. Companion novels Totally Joe and Addie on the Inside were recently released, giving another dimension to the story.

This book is for anyone who has ever been picked on at school, called names, or made to feel as if they didn't belong. Howe creates likeable characters who take charge of their lives (even if it is under Addie's pressure), try to make and succeed in making a difference. This book spurred the No Name Calling Week movement, adding to its importance in middle schools. I was fortunate enough to have James Howe visit my school this fall to talk about bullying and being different and to read some passages from Addie on the inside. He's as phenomenal of a speaker as he is a writer and has dedicated his life to helping kids who feel like they are outcasts find their voice. Give these books to anyone who has ever experienced or will experience middle school. The discussions that will ensue if used as a class novel are guaranteed to be enlightening.