Reviewed by JodiG. for TeensReadToo.com
In school there are a number of social groups and nicknames that define you and your achievements. There are others that just haunt you. Miriam Fisher is well-known throughout her middle school; however, she is known as "Freak."
Miriam is no ordinary seventh-grader. She reads the dictionary for fun, writes poetry, and doesn't really mind that she doesn't fit in with the popular kids. Until this year she has had the friendship and support of her older sister, and fellow dictionary reader, Deborah. But suddenly, Deborah has turned into one of the "pretty girls" and has decided that academic pursuits are getting her nowhere. Deborah barely speaks to Miriam anymore, and when she does, it's with disgust.
This year, Miriam is also struggling with first love. A family friend has moved in for the school year. Artie Rosenberg is one of the hottest seniors in high school and Miriam is convinced that they are soul mates. Artie shares Miriam's love of poetry and pays more attention to her than anyone else. The problem is that ever since Artie moved in, he's been spending more and more time with Miriam's sister, Deborah.
In addition to her problems with Deborah and Artie, the teasing at school is getting worse every day. One girl in particular, Jenny Clarke, has taken the taunting to a level that is just cruel. How long can Miriam endure the teasing before she strikes back?
Marcella Pixley has created a character and a story that are filled with raw emotions. The sense of isolation is thick as you read deeper into Miriam's story. You will never forget Miriam or the lessons she manages to teach as she confronts the pain of being isolated. This is definitely an inspirational story for anyone who has ever been or known a "Freak."
In school there are a number of social groups and nicknames that define you and your achievements. There are others that just haunt you. Miriam Fisher is well-known throughout her middle school; however, she is known as "Freak."
Miriam is no ordinary seventh-grader. She reads the dictionary for fun, writes poetry, and doesn't really mind that she doesn't fit in with the popular kids. Until this year she has had the friendship and support of her older sister, and fellow dictionary reader, Deborah. But suddenly, Deborah has turned into one of the "pretty girls" and has decided that academic pursuits are getting her nowhere. Deborah barely speaks to Miriam anymore, and when she does, it's with disgust.
This year, Miriam is also struggling with first love. A family friend has moved in for the school year. Artie Rosenberg is one of the hottest seniors in high school and Miriam is convinced that they are soul mates. Artie shares Miriam's love of poetry and pays more attention to her than anyone else. The problem is that ever since Artie moved in, he's been spending more and more time with Miriam's sister, Deborah.
In addition to her problems with Deborah and Artie, the teasing at school is getting worse every day. One girl in particular, Jenny Clarke, has taken the taunting to a level that is just cruel. How long can Miriam endure the teasing before she strikes back?
Marcella Pixley has created a character and a story that are filled with raw emotions. The sense of isolation is thick as you read deeper into Miriam's story. You will never forget Miriam or the lessons she manages to teach as she confronts the pain of being isolated. This is definitely an inspirational story for anyone who has ever been or known a "Freak."
