Summary
Freak the Mighty is a heartwarming middle-grade novel by Rodman Philbrick. Published in 1993, it tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two outcasts—Maxwell Kane, a physically huge but timid boy with a troubled past, and Kevin Avery, a brilliant but tiny child with a rare genetic disorder. Through their adventures, the duo becomes “Freak the Mighty,” a force to be reckoned with in their community.
The novel tackles themes of friendship, courage, and overcoming adversity, resonating with readers of all ages. Philbrick's poignant storytelling and memorable characters have earned Freak the Mighty a place in many school curricula and reading lists. The book's popularity led to a sequel, Max the Mighty, published in 1998.
Plot
Maxwell Kane, a shy teenager with an imposing physique, narrates the story of Freak the Mighty. Max lives with his grandparents, haunted by a dark secret from his past. His life changes when Kevin, a brilliant but physically disabled boy, moves in next door. Despite their differences, the two form an unlikely friendship and become “Freak the Mighty.” With Kevin riding on Max's shoulders, they embark on various adventures together.
As their bond grows stronger, Max and Kevin face challenges from bullies and confront the mysteries of Max's past. They return a lost purse to Loretta Lee, whose husband Iggy knew Max's father. The boys learn that Max's father, Kenneth “Killer” Kane, has been released from prison on parole, causing fear and tension in Max's household.
On Christmas Eve, Killer Kane kidnaps Max and takes him to Iggy and Loretta's apartment. Kane tries to convince Max that he's innocent of murdering Max's mother, but Max remembers witnessing the crime. When Kane attempts to strangle Loretta, Kevin arrives to rescue Max, using a mixture he claims is acid to subdue Kane. The police arrest Kane, who is sent back to prison with an extended sentence.
Tragedy strikes when Kevin, who has been concealing the severity of his condition, dies after his 13th birthday. Before his death, he gives Max a blank book, encouraging him to write their story. Devastated by the loss, Max initially retreats to his basement room but eventually finds the courage to return to school and honor Kevin's memory by writing down their adventures as Freak the Mighty.
Themes
The power of friendship and unlikely alliances
Overcoming disabilities and limitations
The contrast between inner strength and physical appearance
Confronting and healing from past trauma
The importance of imagination and storytelling
Finding courage and self-worth
The impact of family dynamics on personal growth
Setting
Set in the late 20th century, Freak the Mighty takes place in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a coastal city known for its rich maritime history. The story unfolds against the backdrop of this small New England town, with its mix of residential neighborhoods and industrial areas.
Much of the action occurs in the protagonists' neighborhood, where Max lives with his grandparents and Kevin moves in next door. Key locations include Max's basement room, which he calls “the down under,” and the local school where the boys face academic and social challenges. The millpond where they escape from bullies becomes a significant setting, symbolizing their growing friendship and shared adventures.
The story also ventures into the seedier parts of Portsmouth, particularly a rundown section of town, nicknamed the “New Testaments” by locals. This serves as the backdrop for some of the story's more tense and dramatic moments, including Max's kidnapping by his father. These varied settings contribute to the novel's exploration of themes such as friendship, identity, and overcoming adversity.
Characters
Maxwell “Max” Kane: The protagonist and narrator, a physically imposing young teenager with low self-esteem who lives with his grandparents. He forms a close friendship with Kevin, becoming the “mighty” half of their duo. Max struggles with learning disabilities but grows in confidence through his adventures with Kevin. His character arc involves overcoming his past trauma and finding his voice through writing.
Kevin “Freak” Avery: A highly intelligent boy with Morquio syndrome that limits his physical growth. Kevin becomes Max's best friend, acting as the “brain” to Max's brawn. He is passionate about robotics and Arthurian legends, often relating their adventures to quests. Kevin's bravery and wit inspire Max, though his condition ultimately leads to his untimely death.
Grim and Gram: Max's grandparents who raise him. They are protective of Max and hostile towards his father. Grim initially appears stern but shows kindness, while Gram is gentle and caring.
Gwen “Fair Gwen” Avery: Kevin's mother, nicknamed after Guinevere from Arthurian legend. She is kind and supportive of both Kevin and Max.
Kenneth “Killer” Kane: Max's father and the story's antagonist. He murdered Max's mother and later kidnaps Max after being released on parole. His actions drive much of the conflict in the story.
Loretta Lee: A woman whose purse Max and Kevin return. She later attempts to help Max escape from his father. Loretta lives in the poor part of town and struggles with alcoholism.
Iggy Lee: Loretta's husband and leader of a motorcycle gang. He has a past connection to Max's father and assists in Max's rescue.
Dr. Spivak: Kevin's doctor who reveals the truth about his condition to Max after Kevin's death.
Quick facts
Freak the Mighty was originally published in 1993 by Blue Sky, an imprint of Scholastic Press.
Rodman Philbrick took only two months to complete the novel.
Written for middle-grade and young teenage readers, Freak the Mighty deals with themes of friendship, overcoming disabilities, and the power of imagination.
Of all the characters he has created, Philbrick has said that Max, the novel’s “mighty” protagonist and narrator, is his favorite.
Philbrick was inspired to write the story after meeting a boy with Morquio syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, which shaped his depiction of the tiny but brilliant character Kevin.
Freak the Mighty is set in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, drawing on the author’s experience of growing up on the New England coast.
The book was followed by a sequel, Max the Mighty, in 1998.
Freak the Mighty was adapted into a critically acclaimed 1998 film titled The Mighty, directed by Peter Chelsom and starring Sharon Stone, Gillian Anderson, and Kieran Culkin.
Freak the Mighty has been translated into several languages and won numerous awards, including the Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature.
The novel is often used in middle school English curriculums.
In 2001, Freak the Mighty was released in paperback in the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels considered modern classics.
A 20th anniversary edition with 32 pages of added content, including an extensive Q&A with the author, was released in 2013.
About the Author
Rodman Philbrick (1951-) is an acclaimed American author known for his diverse body of work spanning multiple genres and age groups. His breakthrough came with Freak the Mighty (1993), a novel for young readers about an unlikely friendship and overcoming disabilities, inspired by his meeting a boy with Morquio syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The book became an international success, inspiring a sequel, Max the Mighty (1998), and a feature film adaptation, The Mighty (1998). It also launched Philbrick’s career as a successful author of middle-grade and young adult novels. His other notable books include The Last Book in the Universe, The Journal of Douglas Allen Deeds, and The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg, which received a Newbery Honor in 2010.
In addition to his novels for younger readers, Philbrick has written extensively for adults under various pen names. As William R. Dantz, he explored near-future science fiction, while his Chris Jordan thrillers feature a former FBI agent specializing in recovering lost children. Philbrick has also written historical fiction and contemporary mysteries.
Born in Boston, Philbrick grew up on the New England coast and worked as a longshoreman and boat builder before becoming a full-time writer. His experiences in these early jobs would later influence the settings and themes in many of his novels. He continues to write prolifically, dividing his time between Maine and Florida.
