Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those middle-grade books that gets it right. James Howe (yes, the Bunnicula guy) wrote something that feels authentic to the middle school experience without being either too sanitized or too dark.

The four main characters—Bobby (chubby and quiet), Addie (outspoken and tall), Joe (gay and teased for it), and Skeezie (poor and rough around the edges)—are genuinely likable and distinct. Their friendship feels earned, not manufactured. When Addie decides to start a political campaign to end name-calling at their school, it could've been preachy, but Howe keeps it grounded in real middle school messiness.

The book's treatment of Joe's sexuality is particularly noteworthy for 2003—it's matter-of-fact and woven into the story naturally rather than being The Issue. Bobby's arc from wanting to be invisible to finding his voice is well-executed.

Is it a bit earnest? Sure. Will some kids find the student government campaign stuff a little eye-roll-y? Maybe. But the emotional core is solid, and the book has staying power—it's been assigned in schools for 20+ years and inspired an actual national movement. That's not nothing.

For families dealing with bullying, social exclusion, or just the general awfulness of middle school, this is a worthwhile read that sparks good conversations without feeling like homework.

Age Fit

Best for grades 5-8 (ages 10-14), right in the sweet spot for kids navigating middle school social dynamics. The themes are mature enough to resonate with 7th and 8th graders but accessible enough for strong 5th grade readers. High schoolers will likely find it too young.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

A deeply empathetic story that centers kindness, friendship, and standing up against bullying. The four protagonists support each other through name-calling and social exclusion, modeling genuine cooperation and emotional resilience. The tone is age-appropriate for middle schoolers, balancing humor with real emotional stakes without being preachy or saccharine.

Imaginative

68

While the story itself is grounded in realistic middle school dynamics rather than fantastical world-building, it does inspire creative problem-solving through Addie's campaign idea. The book encourages readers to imagine new ways to address social issues in their own schools. However, it's fundamentally a contemporary realism story, not one that pushes boundaries of imagination or invites open-ended creative expression.

Safe

88

Extremely safe for its target audience. The book directly addresses name-calling and bullying but does so in an age-appropriate, constructive way. One character (Joe) is gay, presented matter-of-factly and positively. No graphic content, violence, or surprising mature themes. The only minor concern is that the bullying content itself might be triggering for kids currently experiencing similar situations, but it's handled sensitively and with resolution.

Enriching

86

This book launched a national No Name-Calling Week, which speaks to its real-world impact. It builds empathy for kids who feel like outsiders, teaches advocacy and civic engagement through the student campaign, and offers meaningful insights about identity, friendship, and standing up for what's right. The character development is strong, particularly Bobby's journey from wanting to be invisible to finding his voice. Entertaining enough to keep middle schoolers engaged while delivering substance.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Tackles bullying and social exclusion in a way that feels authentic to middle school life—kids recognize themselves and their peers in these characters
Bobby's journey from wanting to disappear to finding his voice is genuinely moving without being after-school-special corny
Features a gay character (Joe) in a way that's normalized and positive, written in 2003 which was actually pretty ahead of its time
Inspired real-world change: this book literally launched No Name-Calling Week in schools across the country
The friendship between the four misfits is the real heart—it shows kids that finding your people matters more than being popular

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What to Watch For

The book directly addresses name-calling and bullying, which could be hard for kids currently experiencing it—might be better as a read-together for sensitive kids
Some of the middle school politics and campaign stuff might feel a bit earnest or dated to today's more cynical tweens
At 960L Lexile, it's accessible but meatier than typical middle-grade fare—some 5th graders might need support

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever felt like a misfit at school? What helped you get through it?"
"If you could start a campaign to change something at your school, what would it be?"
"Bobby feels invisible and wants to stay that way at first. Why do you think he changes his mind?"
"The Gang of Five supports each other even when they're different. Who are your people, and how do you show up for them?"

Deep Dive

Why it still hits

Middle school in 2026 looks different than it did in 2003—more screens, less privacy—but the social hierarchy remains a meat grinder. The Misfits works because it doesn't treat seventh grade as a "learning experience" or a quirky phase. It treats it like a war of attrition. James Howe captured that specific feeling of wanting to be invisible just to survive a Tuesday.

While many books about bullying focus on one victim and one villain, this book is about the power of the collective. These kids aren't trying to become popular or "fix" their bullies; they’re trying to change the rules of the school itself. That’s a sophisticated move for a middle-grade novel, and it’s why the story doesn't feel dated despite its age.

The "Quiet" Protagonist

Most books for this age group pick the loudest kid to lead the story. Howe chose Bobby. He’s an observer. He’s the kid who works at a tie store and just wants to get through the day without being noticed. This makes the book a perfect fit for the kid who isn't the class clown or the star athlete. It validates the introvert who sees everything but says nothing. When Bobby finally does find his voice during the student council campaign, it carries actual weight because we've spent the whole book inside his head, feeling his hesitation.

If your kid liked Wonder or Smile

If your reader gravitated toward the "finding your people" energy of Wonder or the awkward social navigation of Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels, The Misfits is the logical next step. It’s slightly more political than those—in the literal sense of running an election campaign—but it stays grounded in the cafeteria.

It’s also a great litmus test for empathy. If a kid finds Addie’s crusade "annoying," it’s a great opening to talk about why being principled often looks like being a "troublemaker" to everyone else. The book doesn't shy away from the fact that being a misfit is exhausting.

Beyond the history lesson

You might worry a twenty-year-old book feels like a museum piece. It doesn't. Aside from a lack of smartphones, the dialogue is snappy and the emotional stakes are timeless. The fact that it inspired a real-world movement is a cool "did you know" fact to share, but the reason to read it today isn't for the history. It's for the reminder that you don't have to fit in to belong. If your kid is starting to feel the pressure of the "cool" vs. "uncool" divide, this is the manual they need.

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