The Misfits is the story of a group of friends, Bobby, Skeezie, Addie, and Joe. They are transitioning into their teenage years. They are the outcasts of their school. Bobby is overweight, Skeezie is the "hooligan", Addie is the activist, and Joe is just beginning to discover his sexuality. Addie decides to take a stand and form her own political party at school to run for student council. They are sick of the popular kids running the school. Middle School is a tough time for many kids who do not feel like they belong and this group of misfits takes a stand for outcasts everywhere.
I think this book, though controversial, is a book that I would want to read with my students. I know that many schools ban it, so I probably would not be able to. Though this book deals with issues like sexuality, I think it is important for students to learn about that in school and through literature rather then from things they may hear from others. In middle school everyone is discovering who they are and trying to fit in. The misfits shows students that it is OKAY to be different and to stand out. It shows that you can stand up for what you believe in and be who you are.
I would read this book with 6-8th graders. 6th graders might be a little young for the content, so maybe just 7th and 8th graders. It is a quick and easy read. I think that this book would make for great conversation in the class, especially because it has been banned. When books are banned it makes students want to read them more. They are curious and want to know why the book was banned. The friendship between the friends is what I really liked about the book. They accepted each other for who they were. I think everybody needs friends like that, especially in middle school.
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