Max has been living with Gram and Grim for as long as he can remember. He knows that his father is in prison for murder, but no one speaks about it. He has overheard his grandparents saying Max looks just like his father, and an often out of control temper have them worrying that he might have some of his father's other negative traits as well.
One afternoon new neighbors move in next door. Max sees a tiny kid with a big head and crooked little legs seems to have moved in along with his mother. Max immediately labels the kid Freak. When Max is introduced to Kevin, he quickly realizes that the kid may be small but his brain is huge. The kid appears to know everything.
The odd pair become fast friends and spend the summer exploring and adventuring. Max discovers it's easy to hoist Freak onto he shoulders so they can go about their adventures more easily. When school starts, they make quite the impression on classmates as Max lumbers through the halls carrying Freak high and mighty. Freak the Mighty is born. With Freak's help Max surprises his teachers and grandparents as he begins to improve in school. The pair seem to be unstoppable.
Things are looking up for Max and then the unthinkable happens. His father is released from prison and shows up in the dead of night to kidnap Max. Can Freak come to the rescue of his giant friend?
FREAK THE MIGHTY was published in 1993. Somehow I missed out on this treasure. According to fellow readers and teacher friends, it is tried and true and a book that should be read by everyone. Now I'm off to watch the movie THE MIGHTY which I'm told will not disappoint.
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