The Misfits

Novel
Title: The Misfits
Author: James Howe
Age Level: 10-14
Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary
This book was about a group of 7th graders, or The Gang of Five, who are Bobby, Addie, Joe, and Skeezie.  The story is told from the perspective of Bobby Goodspeed and tells of the experience that these 7th graders have.  They each have grown up being called many names and decide to try and put an end to name calling by starting a No Name Party for their student government.

Opinion
This has been one of my favorite novels that I have read so far.  I remember, briefly, reading this novel growing up but reading it a second time made me love it even more. Howe does a wonderful job at discussing an issue that is so relevant to middle school and junior high school children.  The way he presents the text is one where readers can really put themselves in the shoes of the characters and relate what the characters are going through to events and experiences in their lives.  This book also tackles some tough topics to teach such as sexuality and racism.  I think that Howe does so in a way that will not make children uncomfortable when they read this novel.  This novel really made me think back to grade school and how so many people, even myself at times, were called names for no reason.  This book is a great eye-opener for children to see the affects of name calling and the ways in which you can stand up and stop an issue if you really believe in it.  The No Name Calling Week is something that I think would be really beneficial to implement in schools today.  Making children aware of the affects of name calling is very important.  Name calling needs to be stopped in all schools and Howe provides a plan that works for the story of the book and I think it can be used in real life as well.

I hope to teach first or second graders so I would not use this particular book with that age group, however, if I were to work with upper elementary students, this book would definitly be read in my class.  I think that there are so many important issues discussed that children should read about.  I would use this book in a way to spark discussion on ways children have been called names before and the need for sticking up for whats right.

http://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-29-spring-2006/totally-james