Max the Mighty

Rodman Philbrick's 'Max the Mighty' is a compelling middle-grade sequel to 'Freak the Mighty,' though it stands alone well. It follows Maxwell Kane, a large but gentle teenager, as he helps a younger girl, Rachel 'Worm,' escape her abusive stepfather. Their journey takes them across the country, encountering various characters, both helpful and deceitful, as they search for Worm's biological father. The book tackles serious themes of child abuse, domestic violence, and the courage to stand up for what's right, while also exploring friendship, self-discovery, and the meaning of heroism. It's a powerful story about finding strength and belonging, even in the face of immense adversity, suitable for ages 8-12.

This is the second book about Maxwell Kane, who has a heart as large as his ginormous, still-growing body. Two years after the events of "Freak the Mighty," the book which chronicles the adventures of Maxwell Kane and Kevin Avery while they were "slaying dragons and fools and walking high above the world," Max has a chance to show he is mighty in his own right. When a young girl called "Worm" (because of her love of books) is in danger from her stepfather, Max runs to the rescue. He and Rachel (Worm's real name) go on the run to the little town of Chivalry to find her father. They get help along the way from The Dippy Hippie and his old school-bus-turned-camper, the Prairie Schooner, and from Hobo Joe, who shows them how to ride the rails like a pro. Although Max is uncertain of hs ability to be heroic without his friend Kevin, he is determined to help this little damsel in distress. Danger and betrayal lie ahead, and a secret that threatens everything. If you enjoyed "Freak the Mighty," you'll like seeing Max come to understand what it means to be mighty indeed.