The Misfits

 I absolutely loved this book. I liked it for multiple reasons, the biggest reason being the characters. I think everyone reading this book could find someone in it to love or feel attached to. I loved Addie's passion and zeal. I liked reading about someone who is a doer-not just a talker-a real mover and a shaker. I believe that young kids could be inspired by reading this book. I also really like how the gang of five are so completely different from each other and yet are best friends. Similar to the movie's Now and Then and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, the concept of completely different people having such a tight, unique and free relationship, is something I craved for as a kid. I had something similar to it when I met my best friend Amelie in 8th grade, but I would have liked our "group" to include more people. I never really had that. The theme of really different kids being friends creates for such an interesting dialogue between characters and also reflects the underlying message that people are really complicated and unique, not objects you can label. The diversity in this book and the questions of racism and prejudice it brings up make it an enriching book for the classroom. The overall theme of the book is inspiring (to see people as more than a label), and that reflects Jame's Howe purpose in writing the book-to inspire change among young people. I think it is really a brilliant book and it feels so true and original I could easily believe it was based on a true story. Also, I have never laughed out loud so many times reading a book before! Bobby Goodspeed is an unforgettable character. Personally, I think the book would have been better if the part about Joe and Colin could have been left out. I don't think it was really necessary to the overall message of the book.