Study Guide: Freak the Mighty (Chapters 1–18)
Study Guide: Freak the Mighty (Chapters 1–18)
Main Characters
Maxwell Kane (Max)
Large, strong boy who struggles with reading and school
Lives with his grandparents (Grim and Gram)
Feels insecure and thinks he is not smart
Kevin Dillon (Freak)
Very intelligent boy with a disability that affects his body
Uses crutches and leg braces
Loves books, science, and big words
Becomes Max’s best friend
Loretta Lee
Neighbor who is kind to Max and Kevin
Wife of Iggy
Iggy Lee
Loretta’s husband
Suspicious character connected to Max’s father
Kenny Kane
Max’s father
A criminal in prison for murder
Tony D.
Bully who leads a gang
Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
Chapter 1 – The Unvanquished Truth
Max explains how he feels different from others.
He believes he has inherited his father’s problems.
He introduces Kevin (“Freak”).
Chapter 2 – Up from the Down Under
Kevin moves into the house next door.
Max watches Kevin walking with crutches and braces.
Kevin surprises Max with his intelligence and confidence.
Chapter 3 – American Flyer
Kevin visits Max’s room.
Kevin notices Max’s toy airplane and tells him detailed facts about it.
The two begin forming a friendship.
Chapter 4 – What Frightened the Fair Gwen
Kevin’s mother (Gwen) recognizes Max.
She becomes frightened because Max looks like his father.
She quickly takes Kevin away.
Chapter 5 – Freak the Mighty
Max and Kevin go to a fireworks show.
They escape bullies when Kevin rides on Max’s shoulders.
Together they become “Freak the Mighty.”
Chapter 6 – Close Encounter of the Turd Kind
They run into Tony D. and his gang.
Kevin distracts them with clever talk.
Max escapes with Kevin.
Chapter 7 – Walking High Above the World
Max carries Kevin on his shoulders often.
Together they feel powerful and unstoppable.
Chapter 8 – Dinosaur Brain
Kevin explains how Max’s brain works like a “dinosaur brain.”
Kevin says Max just needs help unlocking his intelligence.
Chapter 9 – Life Is Dangerous
Kevin explains medical problems with humor.
He talks about robotics and hopes for a new body someday.
Chapter 10 – Rats or Worse
Max and Kevin explore a sewer tunnel.
They find Loretta Lee’s purse stolen by Tony D.
Chapter 11 – The Damsel of Distress
They return the purse to Loretta.
She thanks them and becomes friendly with them.
Chapter 12 – Killer Kane, Killer Kane
Iggy Lee mentions Max’s father.
Max learns his father might get out of prison.
Max becomes scared and upset.
Chapter 13 – American Flyer (Part Two)
Kevin continues teaching Max new words and ideas.
Max becomes more confident.
Chapter 14 – Loretta Lee
Max and Kevin spend time with Loretta.
She treats them kindly and like family.
Chapter 15 – The Return of Killer Kane
Max’s father appears suddenly.
He kidnaps Max in the middle of the night.
Chapter 16 – A Chip off the Old Block
Max’s father tries to convince him they are alike.
Max struggles with fear and confusion.
Chapter 17 – A Test of Faith
Max refuses to believe his father is innocent.
Kevin plans a rescue.
Chapter 18 – Farvel
Kevin tricks Max’s father with a fake chemical weapon.
Police arrest Max’s father.
Max is saved.————————————————————————————————