Freak
by Marcella Pixley

    FREAK by Marcella Pixley
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  9/18/07
    Publisher:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux
    Reviewed by:  JodiG.
    Rating:  5 Stars


    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."