Student Question

What are ten songs that could describe Freak the Mighty and why?

Quick answer:

Ten songs that could describe Freak the Mighty are “The Power of Two” by the Indigo Girls, “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor, “It’s Not Easy” from Pete’s Dragon, “I’ll Be There for You” by the Rembrants, “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, “I’ll Be Watching You” by the Police, “Don’t Know Much about History” by Sam Cooke, “Roar” by Katy Perry, “Catch a Wave” by the Beach Boys, and “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips. These songs reflect themes of friendship, overcoming obstacles, and character traits in the book.

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What a fun project! The best list would be one that you put together yourself with the different themes from Freak the Mighty such as friendship, overcoming obstacles, growing up, and transformation (from weakness to power). The ten songs I’m going to suggest are either related to these themes or to a particular character. Some songs are “oldie goldies” while others are classic rock. Some are from current musicals while others are recent pop hits.

The first set of songs is all about the theme of friendship and the great power behind that force. Keep in mind that the friendship of Kevin and Max is very strong. Kevin is a boy with high intelligence who has a deformity from birth. Max is a boy with low self-esteem who has great strength. Together they make "Freak the Mighty." They have many adventures and overcome many obstacles, even death (due to stories...

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of their friendship that Max vows to write). The list of friendship songs that fitFreak the Mighty are as follows: “The Power of Two” by the Indigo Girls, “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor, “It’s Not Easy” from Pete’s Dragon, “I’ll Be There for You” by the Rembrants, and “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers.

Other songs have to do with either particular characters or other themes.

“I’ll Be Watching You” by the Police

This song was specifically chosen for the character of Kenny “Killer” Kane. The moment he gets out of jail, he vows to get to his son, Max. In fact, Kane kidnaps Max on Christmas Eve. This proves that Kane has been “watching” Max.

“Don’t Know Much about History” by Sam Cooke

This song has to do with Max specifically and his feelings about his intelligence level. Over all, Max values Kevin’s friendship which, of course, is a form of platonic love.

“Roar” by Katy Perry

This song has to do with Kevin specifically and his need to use his intelligence to overcome his physical handicaps.

“Catch a Wave” by the Beach boys

This song has to do with Kevin’s and Max’s dual character “Freak the Mighty” when Kevin “catches” the Max “wave,” Kevin is both literally and figuratively “sitting on top of the world.”

“Hold On” by Wilson Phillips

Both Max and Kevin undergo hard times within this book, this song is encouragement for both to keep living even when times get rough. I imagine Max, especially, could have benefited from this song when tied up to the boiler by his father Kenny “Killer” Kane. Further, I imagine Kenny could have benefited from this song when he was in the hospital undergoing tests.

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