* Poet Pixley’s gripping story of middle-school bullying may call to mind Spinelli’s Stargirl (2000) and Anderson’s Speak (1999) . . . Thorny, determined, brilliant, mature yet surprisingly naïve, Miriam is unforgettable.” – Starred, Booklist
* “An expertly – and lovingly – narrated story about girls and bullying . . Stunning.” – Starred,
Kirkus Reviews
* “First Time novelist Pixley crafts a disturbing tale that taps into the harsh reality of what it means to be a middle school outcast . . . observant and tough, Miriam’s voice has a knife edge that tears past the surface.” – Starred Publisher’s Weekly
* “Pixley writes with well-crafted intensity of a girl in an agony of perplexed exclusion…readers will be intrigued by her eventual ability to make a new way for herself.” — Starred, Bulletin of Center for Children’s Books
* “A riveting, heartbreaking, ultimately redemptive book about the cruelty of middle school students.” – Fall 2007 Children’s Pick, Book Sense
“This is a powerful look at middle school angst and transformation from a new YA author to watch” School Library Journal
“Middle School girls will read this book and realize how many girls are just like them.” – VOYA
“Marcella Pixley has created a character and a story filled with raw emotions. The sense of isolation is thick as you read deeper into Miriam’s story. You will never forget Miriam or the lessons she manages to teach. . . an inspirational story for anyone who has ever been known as a freak.” – Teens Read Too
“Wow! Freak is heartbreakingly funny, heartbreakingly spot-on, and heartbreaking. If you’ve ever been on the outside – and you have – Miriam Fisher is your new best friend.” – Chris Crutcher, author of The Sledding Hill
“Marcella Pixley has written a poetic, painfully well observed, and very satisfying first novel. I would recommend Freak to anyone who has ever felt like a freak – that is to say, everyone.” – Gabrielle Zevin, author of Elsewhere