What are the themes in Freak the Mighty?

Rodman Philbrick’s novel explores themes of friendship, individuality versus conformity, and transformation. Freak the Mighty is a composite that represents the growing friendship of Kevin and Max. As the two boys look beyond each other’s problems and find each other’s positive qualities, they learn to depend on each other. Friendship as well as complementary physical and mental attributes makes their combination much stronger than the sum of its parts.
Previously, their social worlds had been very uncomfortable for them because many of the other children were unkind. The author portrays their environment as one in which conformity was encouraged, and those who were perceived as deviants were often ostracized or bullied. Identifying and valuing one’s individual attributes is a key step, Philbrick suggests, in escaping the negative effects of pressure to conform.
While the two boys are together transformed into one giant combination character, each of them also undergoes interior transformations that include growing self-confidence. While recognizing one’s positive traits is the impetus for personal growth, the author also emphasizes that this must be combined with extending oneself into trusting others.