1. How can we identify bullying?
Freak The Mighty
How can we identify bullying?

2. What is Bullying?
“Bullying is a learned behavior. It is when a person or group tries to hurt or control another person in a harmful way.”

3. Characterization - Max
“stupid”, “dumb”, “slow”
physically big
people are afraid of him
lonely
“never had a brain”
Gets into fights
“Kicker” = nickname
Doesn’t like being hugged
Angry
“Mad Max” = nickname
LD class
Looks and acts like “Him”
Father is scary
Low self-esteem
“butthead”
8th grade

4. Characterization - Kevin
“Freak” = nickname
weird
physically small
very smart
talkative
teaches Max
“fierce”
uses crutches
leg braces
“hooked on robots”
blond hair
“scowling”/”death-ray eyes
“cripple” van
lives with Mom
8th grade

5. Bullying in the novel Max is called names in school (p.3).
Tony D, or Blade, calls Kevin and Max names: “Frankenstein and Igor” (p. 29)
Tony D, or Blade, chases Max and Kevin into the pond on the Fourth of July (p. 37).

6. Bullying in the novel
Loretta makes fun of Kevin when the boys first visit the Tenements. She calls him a “midget man.” She also teases Kevin about his father being a “magician” and doing a disappearing act (p. 71).

7. How do Max and Kevin respond to bullying?
Kevin uses his brain, instead of violence
The boys become Freak the Mighty
Max has a place where he can relax and feel safe
Kevin acts proud and stands up to the class as Freak the Mighty.
Kevin teaches Max and gives him confidence.

8. Suggestions for dealing with bullying
Supervision by adults in and out of school
Consequences for bullies
Environment where bully behavior is not tolerated.
Communication between teachers and parents
Rewards and recognition for positive behavior.
Teach about bullying in school

9. Works Cited http://www.lfcc.on.ca/bully.htm