The Misfits by James Howe

CONTROVERSIAL BOOK

Prior to reading this book I had read some of James Howe's picture books before, but this was the first novel of his I have read. I really enjoyed how all five of the "misfits" (the main characters of the book) were engaging, realistic, and well fleshed out characters. In fact, nearly all of the characters felt quite real to me, and I rarely felt as if the characters or the story was unrealistic in any way. I also enjoyed how the characters took a stand for what they believe in throughout the story. For example, when Addie refuses to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance because she believes America doesn't respect minorities rights. I also liked how the "Freedom Party" was created to run in student government and perfectly paralleled a real third party. My favorite part of the book, however, is when Joe reveals to Skeezie and Bobbby that he is gay, and he gets a very subdued and undramatic reaction to the news. I liked how James Howe showed a completely different side of what it is like to be a homosexual in high school, rather than a typical portrayl. I would think this booko would be considered controversial because the main character is gay and it's a realistic representation of the social context of school. I really enjoyed this book, and found it quite enjoyable to read. I would certainly use this books with grades 5 and above.