Going Back to School In chapter 12 of the Rodman Philbrick's Freak the Mighty, Max has just had the greatest summer ever! Kevin's daily quests have given Max a purpose. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. School is starting. Will it be a better year?
After leaving Loretta and Iggy at the Testaments, Max feels bad for Kevin. Kevin shrugs it off. It is true; his dad left because of him. Gwen refuses to discuss it, but he knows it's because of him. Neither of them mention Killer Kane.
Dread overcomes Max every time he is reminded that school is about to start. Gram says she's proud of having a grandson in the eighth grade, but he knows that the only reason he made it out of seventh is because the teachers did not want to deal with him for another year.
Gram takes him clothes shopping, which is the worst. He feels like he's on display for everyone to laugh at. It's embarrassing to have his size thirteen triple E shoe brought out from the back.
At least Freak will be there. Gwen has been able to convince the school to put Max in the smart classes with Kevin to help him get around. Gram is hesitant to sign Max out of special education, but Grim thinks it's worth a try.
Mrs. Donelli's Class At first, the other kids are so into themselves that no one notices Kevin and Max, but it's only a matter of time before Max begins hearing the whispers.
Shockingly, Mrs. Donelli, the English teacher, asks Max to tell about his summer. Teachers have always known better than to ask Max to speak in front of the class. The other kids use the opening provided by his stunned silence to taunt him. Poor Max is called 'Maxi Pad'
