Freaks

Winner "Honorable Mention" Writers Digest 9th Annual Book Competition
"In a few pages Scalia takes the readers into a realistic junior high environment that could be theirs. Hildy, Scotty, Harrison, Carmine are so real! Scalia treats them with the respect each deserves. The voice of the story and Hildys voice are loud and clear. Young adults of different reading levels will enjoy this book. Adults should read it too." Editor, Writers Digest.
Featured author and "Book of the Year" at the Western Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of English (WPCTE) English Festival 2002
Hildy, a 14 year old born with a congenital hip defect, narrates her 9th Grade experience in Vanderville Junior High. Since the death of her mother, a classical ballet dancer, her father has taken Hildy "on the road," moving from place to place in their effort to forget. "Always the new girl," Hildy finds herself in yet another school in yet another town, where she meets Scotty Dwyer, a dwarf, and Harrison Jakove, the school doormat. The three misfits band together in an act of self defense against the WHEELS, and become the FREAKs. In the end all their lives are changed forever. FREAKs is funny and it is sad. It will make you laugh and cry. It is a book that anyone who has ever gone to school will love and long remember.
Sample Reviews and Reader Reactions
I love the book! Its great! The book is wonderful. It has a little bit of everything in it! Natalie Emerson, student and radio host Nat Chat Live WELE 1380 AM, Ponce Inlet, FL

I could not put this book down until it was finished! What an inspirational and heart-warming story about the challenges of adolescence. I laughed and I cried. It is a beautiful story. I will encourage my students to read this story before they graduate to middle school. Theyll learn great lessons about friendships and good character! Thank you. It was truly a pleasure! Kate MacDoonald, 5th Grade Teacher, Jericho Elementary School, Centereach, NY

I love coming across books that I [am able] to recommend to a reluctant reader and be confident they will not only finish reading it, but will share it with friends before returning it! This is that kind of book. This is a winner! - Carol Byrne, High School Librarian, Deer Park, NY

It will make you laugh and make you cry, often both at once. Its a wonderful story of friendship and of finally belonging. - Marcia Brice, Teacher, Barnum Woods School, East Meadow, NY

My 11 year old son and I both read FREAKs. I couldnt put it down. As I was reading it, I felt like I was right there with Harrison, Hildy and Scotty. I laughed a lot and as soon as they lit those candles, I knew things were going to get bad. My son too enjoyed the book. Im getting ready to read it again with my 9 year old son, and then my mom wants to read it. Thanks for a great read! Victoria and Thomas L, parent and student, Deer Park, NY

I loved the book FREAKs. It actually made me cry a little. This book was one of the best books Ive ever read. You inspire me to become a writer. - Ashley W, student, East Lake School, Massapequa Park, NY

I LOVED YOUR BOOK FREAKs! It should be a movie. This book was soooo exciting! I read it in two days! Kristen K, student, North Bellmore, NY

The book was great! Sometimes I get into the book soooo much that I get emotional. And that is exactly what I did with FREAKs. Now I am going to ask my mom to buy Pearl. Lindsay R, Atkinson School student, Freeport, NY

I really liked your book FREAKs. A sequel would be cool! Erika, student, Sayville HS, Sayville, NY

FREAKs is one of the greatest books I have ever read. I could read it a hundred times and still enjoy it as much as the first time. Louden P, student, Smithtown, NY

FREAKs is a wonderful book.