The Misfits By James Howe

I really enjoyed reading this book! The dialogs between Addie and the other characters read like a quick read. It was hard to put this book down because I could analysis my own experiences. I remember being embarrassed in school and feeling out of place at times. Addie’s character was my favorite because I feel like she really stood up for what she believed in. I, unlike Addie, would never have the guts to not stand up for the pledge at school! I think that it is important for us to remember that children do understand what is going on around them and might not be as “innocent” as we think they are. I feel that this book covers a lot of topics that young students are going through in school. There are the day to day issues and bullying that takes place, but also the struggles and insecurities. I really liked how each character had their own unique personality. It makes the reader really feel for them and a young student in middle school could possible feel a “text to text” connection. The only controversy I felt that took place in the book is the two gay characters (Joe and Collin). I think that the issue of homosexuality is still fairly new and not yet fully accepted. I feel that it is a topic that is important to talk about and with the right audience this book would be appropriate. I think that I would have this book in my classroom for older elementary students to read.