Plot: The Group of Five (which actually consists of four members) in Paintbrush Falls Middle School links four undeniable misfits. Addie is a tall, intelligent, liberal, political activist. Joe is the only (openly) gay in school. Skeezie never really cared for anyone after his father left. He also dresses like Elvis. Bobby's mother died when he was young, so he and his dad work to earn a living. However, the band of misfits, under Addie's supervison (or forced cooperation) decide to create a "Freedom Party" for the school's upcoming elections. The party quickly collapses without a solid political platform, but Bobby discovers a hidden talent for finding and addressing issues in a thought-provoking novel.
Reading Level: 5-8 grade
Genre: Fiction, Coming of Age, Society
Similar Titles: Totally Joe
Personal Thoughts: Like its sequel, Totally Joe, the novel studies surprisingly deep concepts. While some aspects of the novel, such as the tweens' dating lives, seem typical, they eventually lead to more intense ideas, such as racism and self-image. Other aspects start as intense and only become more so. The new party's platform, to eliminate name-calling, reflects a tolerated but devestating aspect of the tween years. Apparently, this book was the inspiration behind No-Name Week, a school-sponsored week when the students stop calling each other insulting names.
As a side note, I like how believable some of the characters are, particularly Addie. She strikes a nerve, because some of my companions, like her, are very politically-minded. While their hearts may be in the right place, some of their actions and mannerisms make me want to quote Bobby and scream "Stop making everything into a federal case!"
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