Having been picked on and tormented throughout my formative years, I know the damage such bullying can do to an individual. When one cannot find sanctuary from the constant barrage from those you used to consider to be friends, there are only two routes to go; shut down to where you build walls where nobody is allowed to be able to get in, or when it becomes too much to take, seek a final solution!
How is it that we allow this behavior which robs a child of their sense of self-worth to continue? By turning a blind eye to what is seen and doing nothing about it.
Egos become more damaged every day as attacks by these predators never end to where these kids begin to question what is so wrong with them. When they face this kind of non-stop ridicule, they have no escape and begin to believe what is being said. No child deserves to hate the image they see in the mirror-or to go to bed praying "Dear God; please...not again tomorrow!"
For those who see no other way out, tomorrow may never come!
It is for these brave souls that "The Misfits" was created.
Written from the perspective of a fictional High School Student who lives such an existence, he seeks out others who face daily ridicule for such 'crimes' as wearing glasses, or having a physical impairment, or simply because they act just a little bit differently-and forms a group where they share in the knowledge that there are others who understand them and accept them for who they are.
Between the pages of "The Misfits", you will be introduced to the world of the organizer of their little band who goes by the name of 'Shakespeare'. A clever young man, he has introduced the concept of establishing names for the members which-to the uninitiated may appear to be derogatory in nature-yet indicate to them that their fellow Misfits see them as they really are and accept them as such. As crucial as water to one who has become lost in the desert, acceptance is what they so desperately crave-and had remained so elusive until they bonded with their fellow 'losers'.
Get to know some amazing individuals such as 'Hand-Me-Down-Tom' who has to wear his older brother Ben's clothes which he has outgrown, 'Four-Eyed Fred' who has the audacity to wear glasses to school in order to be able to see, 'Fingers Flannigan' who faces constant ridicule due to his rapidly-deteriorating hearing, 'One-Letter Walter whose stuttering impediment has put a huge target on his back, 'X-Girl' who is cursed with exceptional height and abhors the game of basketball, as well as a young fellow ostracized for his weight by the 'Little Brains', but who is known as 'Bacon' by his fellow Misfits 'cause who doesn't love bacon?
A 'Little Brain' is a designation given by the Misfits for one of the specific groups who harass them relentlessly within the student body of Riverview High. 'Politicians' exist to provide alibies for anyone even suspected of being involved with leaving a Misfit laying in a hallway between classes, 'Knights Templar' feel it is their sacred duty to rid the school of those 'Misfit losers', and 'The Fellows Who Always Have Their Hands On The Balls Of Others' are known elsewhere as 'jocks'.
I often utilize a light-hearted approach and humor in almost everything I write, but do not confuse "The Misfits" for anything but a serious attempt at bringing a deadly practice out in the open! For every instance which might bring forth a smile, there is a deep-dark truth which can no longer be ignored. That is why I strongly urge both parents as well as school-age children to read this work.
And to those brave kids who have been forced into this life, I urge you to seek out others who can identify with what you are going through and are willing to offer a lifeline of friendship and understanding. There is so much out there in this big bright beautiful world for you to enjoy...and there are people like you who can offer you the stepping stones you need to