Freak

I bought this for my 16 year old stepdaughter because I heard it was a good book on teenage angst. She loved it and says it has inspired her to want to be a writer. I then read it and agree. I loved Marcella's writing style and really enjoyed the book.

I have a special affection for books where the character is bullied. Of course, the love affair began with what I consider the first book about bullying: Blubber. Remember Blubber? They picked on the fat girl, the nice girl stood up for the fat girl, and then the nice girl got bullied, too. This affection stems from the fact that I have been both the victim and giver (only once) of the bullying. It's a universal thing that happens to everyone at one point or another. Isn't it interesting that the victims of bullying usually end up being amazing people. They just happen to not conform to the usual patterns of other kids. And the bully ends up having problems of their own. Miriam is known by many names. Her parents call her Miriam. Her friends, Artie and Rosie, call her Shakespeare because of her dramatic presence. But the kids at school call her Freak. Why? For the usual non-reasons bullies have. She doesn't have breasts yet. Her nose is too big. She journals. She likes Shakespeare. All together, the cumulative points of Miriam make her a freak. She gets bullied by a triumvirate of popular, pretty girls that smell like watermelon. In addition, Artie, the crush of Miriam's life has moved in with their family while his parents are on sabbatical. And Artie is getting hot and heavy with Miriam's older sister. It's pretty standard bullying fare, but I still liked it, mostly because of Miriam's character. She is the kind of girl that will rock the world someday, but she is in that middle stage which is so painful. You know by the end of the book that if Miriam was older and not in the ugly middle school phase of her body, it would be a no-brainer who Artie would like. Recommended for grades 6-8.

I've been waiting a long time for a book that realistically chronicles the middle school experience for people who don't fit in. This book sucks you in to the life of Miriam Fischer and lets you experience with her the pain and confusion she feels as she attempts to find her place within her family and with her peers. It is powerful and raw but ultimately hopeful (not to give anything away). I can't recommend it enough for teens, adults who want to understand teens, and adults who have been teens. I think this will become a classic and I can't wait to see what Pixley writes next!

In school there are a number of social groups and nicknames that define you and your achievements. There are others that just haunt you. Miriam Fisher is well-known throughout her middle school; however, she is known as "Freak." Miriam is no ordinary seventh-grader. She reads the dictionary for fun, writes poetry, and doesn't really mind that she doesn't fit in with the popular kids. Until this year she has had the friendship and support of her older sister, and fellow dictionary reader, Deborah. But suddenly, Deborah has turned into one of the "pretty girls" and has decided that academic pursuits are getting her nowhere. Deborah barely speaks to Miriam anymore, and when she does, it's with disgust. This year, Miriam is also struggling with first love. A family friend has moved in for the school year. Artie Rosenberg is one of the hottest seniors in high school and Miriam is convinced that they are soul mates. Artie shares Miriam's love of poetry and pays more attention to her than anyone else. The problem is that ever since Artie moved in, he's been spending more and more time with Miriam's sister, Deborah. In addition to her problems with Deborah and Artie, the teasing at school is getting worse every day. One girl in particular, Jenny Clarke, has taken the taunting to a level that is just cruel. How long can Miriam endure the teasing before she strikes back? Marcella Pixley has created a character and a story that are filled with raw emotions. The sense of isolation is thick as you read deeper into Miriam's story. You will never forget Miriam or the lessons she manages to teach as she confronts the pain of being isolated. This is definitely an inspirational story for anyone who has ever been or known a "Freak." Reviewed by: JodiG.