Booktalking Colorado - Full Booktalk Record

Booktalking Colorado Full Record:

	Title:	The Misfits
	Author:	Howe, James
	Date Published:	2001
	Genre:	Real Life
	Grade Level:	7 - 12
	Booktalker:	Sam Marsh

Booktalk:
It started at Awkworth & Ames Department Store with my new job as a tie salesman ... or tie waits man since mostly all we did was wait for customers. And with my buddy Skeezie Tookis trying to get me to leave early for the Forum. But, I was responsible, and besides, dad and I needed the money. Things have been tight since mom died. But, they're getting better now that dad doesn't do the scotch thing anymore. Even if we do live in a trailer. Dad's got a regular full-time job now. Working for a nursery rather then owning his own, but its an improvement. And, whatever I can contribute helps. So, the Forum changes from every Friday afternoon to whenever we decide to have it. The forum is the place that we get together to talk about the problems of the world...well, our world. There's Bobbie, that's me, and Skeezie, and Annie, who I've know like forever as my best friend because our mom's were always best friends and we just grew up that way, and Joe. Misfits, one and all. Skeezie was a troublemaker right off the bat from kindergarten on...the kind you knew to steer clear of. Until Addie decided in second grade that Skeezie needed a friend. Her secret valentine to him said "I think you are nice even if you act like a moron." Skeezie offered a dollar to whoever wrote it, and when handwriting (everyone in the class claimed it was them for the dollar) proved she had, he paid her the dollar, they became friends, and Skeezie stopped his troublemaking cold turkey. He's become the kind of person your parents WANT you to be friends with...because of Addie. Joe's the most creative person I know, but maybe too creative. Sometimes he seems more like a girl than a boy, and that makes people nervous. Joe knows who he is and figures it no big deal...I figure he's right about that. But the other kids call him names anyway. Me, I've been called Pork Chop, Roly-Poly, Dough Boy, etc. You get the picture? As for Annie, she's tall and smart. Which is fine if you're of the male gender, but is a MAJOR liability--at least in our middle school--if you're a girl. That's us, the Gang Of Five. There's an opening just in case... Like I said Annie's smart...and principled. Occasionally, this creates problems. Like when she decided NOT to give the Pledge. Because she doesn't believe there is "Liberty and Justice for All." And now, she has decided that she wants to form a third party for the student council elections...an independent party. To help promote the Liberty and Justice for All" theme. And you just know who she's counting on to help her in her quest...her best friend...ME!