In "The Misfits", which takes place in Paintbrush Falls, New York, present time, the protagonist Bobby is in middle school and is an outcast because of his weight. He stays with his group of friends and other outcasts; Skeezie, the down to earth and mellow Elvis lover, Addie, a tall and very smart girl, and Joe, who is so creative and flamboyant that bullies follow him everywhere. Together, they call themselves the Gang of Five, and hold forums every Friday to talk about there issues. Addie protests against many things, like saying the Pledge of Allegiance, and this givers her the reputation of a leader, and activist. So when the school elections come up, Addie immediately starts a new, independent party that would support minorities. "'As you will recall, you all registered as Democrats or Republicans in the sixth grade-' 'Or independents.' Addie pipes up." (Howe 43). The Gang of Five wants to win, and work together to try to get the word out about the new independent Freedom Party. But this doesn't work because neither the students or the staff get the message, which is also unclear to the Gang. Skeezie, Joe, and especially Addie just want to represent every student and equality among the student body. Until Bobby understands acceptance of others and themselves, they Gang floats around looking for ideas to represent the students in a unique and popular way. Bobby comes up with the idea to start the No-name party. The new party is built on a campaign to end name calling throughout the school, and start a no-name day, where name calling is banned for the day. The rest of the Gang is enthusiastic about the idea, and begin to campaign their party. As the campaign goes on, each member of the Gang realize that they, themselves were minorities, and they will represent misfits, outcasts, and anybody who has ever been called a name. This bold campaign gains momentum in the school, with both the students and the staff. "Sticks and stones may break our bones, but names will break our spirit." (Howe 142.) This is the No-name party's motto. This is a great novel for someone who wants to know about acceptance during adolescence, and provides good insight on the concept of equality and justice for all. I think this was the author's purpose, as well as National No-name Week, which was inspired by this book. Judging by that alone, I would say this book was a success. It is relatively easy to read, and the chapters are broken up in an organized fashion. Some of the actions in the book were specific enough to be unpredictable, even though the gist was somewhat generic, it still carried suspense. The author's style is unique and really gets the point across for this book, the point being acceptance is only given when you give it.
The "Sticks and stones may break our bones but words will never hurt me" statement is one of the most inaccurate sayings of all time. Words do hurt in any way, shape or form. The Misfits was one of the greatest books I've ever read. It was very inspiring, encouraging and amazing. The main character, Bobby, is an overweight boy in the seventh grade who has been bullied for years from name-calling. Although he has been called all of those names, he has three incredibly, great friends: Addie, Joe and Skeezie. They too, have been called names just like Bobby has. However that doesn't stop them. Even if they are called these putrid and impolite names, the four of them do not care. "Anyway, I do not want you thinking that I or Addie or Joe or Skeezie feel sorry for ourselves. We do not. Other people may call us names or think we're weird or whatever, but that does not mean we believe them. We may be misfits, but we're okay. Leastwise, in our own eyes we are, and that's all that really matters" (Howe 14). Even though they've been treated this way for many years, it doesn't destroy themselves; they ignore it. During the year, the school election was approaching with the two parties, the Democracy and Republic. But Addie, who is one of Bobby's friends, had an idea to make a third party called the Freedom Party. Unfortunately, the party didn't work out and it was abolished from the election. One day at lunch, something had sparked inside of Bobby's head; something that was there all along but invisible to the naked eye. ""The No-Name party." Ideas are rushing at me like water out of an open hydrant" (Howe 136). Bobby had a significant idea to make the No-Name Party as a replacement for the Freedom Party. Since he and his friends are bullied, the thought popped inside of his head and ideas were bursting. He now knew what to do. The three parties had also required to make a speech in front of the whole school and Bobby had created one, an amazing one. ""That's the speech, Bobby, and you've got to be the one to give it" (Howe 232). After Bobby spent time negotiating with Addie, Addie made Bobby give the speech because of what he had just made. Once the speech was over, Bobby changed the people's lives. Although they didn't win, they still had made a difference. Bobby and his friends stood up to everyone around them who called them names and they never thought it as a bad thing. They refused to listen to such discrimination and did their best to stop it. This book was marvelous, touching and suitable for anyone to read. Remember, there shall be no name-calling.
What do You think about The Misfits (2003)?
In this book, Bobby, Addie, Skeezie, and Joe are the Gang of Five, a group of 4 bullying victims. They all use each other to stay strong, and away from bully's. They want to get rid of bullying and enforce freedom. So, to do that, they come up with the Freedom Party in their school election. The party represents minority's. When the party is told that they can't participate in the election, they come up with the No-Name Party. The No-Name Party represents everyone ever called a name. So they are in the election after all. This is a good book for 6th-7th grade students.
—Sophie Rosenthal
The Misfits over all was a fantastic book. Not too long but also not too short. Having to put the book down was always a struggle because James Howe did a great job of pulling in the reader. The main characters, or the "misfits" were all very exciting and unique in their own way. Throughout the story you get to learn how each of the students in the "Gang of Five" (which actually only consists of four members) and their views on life. At Paintbrush Falls Middle School, the elections for class president are taking place, and the gang of five wants to make their voices heard by creating their own unique party. Later finding out that their presidential candidates don't want to run with them because their "freaks" and "Fattys." Thus spawns the "No-Name party." A party which stands up for the kids in the school (misfits) who have regularly been harassed of verbally abused by their fellow classmates. While dealing with middle school hormones and also the election, things get stressful. The election doesn't go as planned, but the ending of the story is still positive.
—Joshua Love
As a reader, I loved this book. It was just an a good story overall. I like how they all stick together and call themselves the Gang of 5. I really found myself rooting for the characters, especially in the end. Throughout the book, you really get to know the characters. I was a pretty easy read, but I think that was one of the good things about it. As a teacher, I think this book would be good to use in the classroom, but not about the 8th grade. Since it is pretty light-hearted, I think that high school readers would find the book "too easy" and somewhat childish. With that being said, it will be easy to relate to for just about every student. It deals with issues that every student will encounter. Sexuality, bullying, gender, it's all there. I really like the ending because the good guy wins. Bobby's speech was awesome and very inspirational. I liked it an I am well above the age group I suggested using it for. It also sets the stage for some class discussion because it is told through Bobby's eyes. If you use it for a middle school classroom, the narrator and reader are the same age, so they can associate the book with their lives and take it to heart. I also think that it would be a good supplementary text since it is easy read in a week. The language is not difficult and even though the story is complex, I think most students would understand it well.
—Sean Keevin
