The Misfits, by James Howe, is a book that chronicles the life of a kid in middle school who does not quite fit the stereotype of a "popular" kid. However, his life changes when his friend Addie decides to participate in the school's elections.
In the novel, the phrase is given as an example of the different expectations that society has for each gender. While being intelligent and tall is an advantage for boys, it can often be seen as a disadvantage for girls. This is a very relevant topic for teenage audiences due to their focus on being accepted and the struggles they face when creating their identity.
