Howe, James.  The Misfits.  Atheneum Books for Young Readers (May 1, 2003), 288 pages.

            This story follows Bobby and his friends who are all outcasts for bullying.  Bobby is overweight, Addie is extremely tall for her age, Skeezie doesn’t fit in because of the way he dresses, and Joe is struggling with being gay in middle school.  This group of kids who at first seem to not have much in common, end up coming together because they have all been outcast and cannot find a place or group to fit in with, hence the title.  As a result, the group decides to design a school political campaign running for student council.  They call themselves the “No-Name Party” and through the process start coming together and building up their own self-esteems.  The group meets weekly to discuss school issues in their weekly “Floating Forum,” originally called “Friday Forum,” but had to be renamed because Bobby got a job.  Plot spoiler: they don’t win, but that is not the point of the book.  This book tracks the very real issues and changes that are occurring during adolescence and portrays them in a very relatable and easy-to-follow way.

            This book is great.  It is the inspiration for the “No-Name Calling Week” movement in schools that focuses on bullying and issues dealing with social status quo.  There is a lot to talk about and it is a very good book to track character development and talk about the socio-emotional issues that face middle school, and even high school students.  It is a great book to focus on identity and respect and can be partnered with so many anti-bullying lessons as well as raising awareness of student speech.  Even more, it deals with school politics and can be a good addition to a voting year or student council elections.  All students can relate to this book because of its universal themes.  While some parts may be awkward, these are all issues that are center to today’s society.  I’d recommend this book for any middle school grade level because of its issues, but reading level-wise it’s for 6^th or 7^th grade.