The Misfits

Chapter 26 is a transcript of Bobby’s speech. He states that their names are Bobby, Addie, Joe, and Skeezie, but “they are only names. They don’t tell you who we are. We have other names, too. Names we have been called, names we have been given” (249). Bobby goes on to explain how he was given the nickname Fluff in third grade because he always ate peanut butter and Marshmallow Fluff sandwiches and because he started to gain weight. Bobby started eating peanut butter and Marshmallow Fluff sandwiches after his mom died because he heard they were her favorite. He asks the students to think about the names they’ve been called and asks, “Is that who you are?” (251). Bobby explains that they want to start a No-Name Day at school, a day in which everyone thinks about the names they’ve been called and agrees to stop using them. Maybe this will lead students to “stop talking to each other like some of us are less than others of us” (251). Finally, the No-Name Party will also represent all students and work with the administration and teachers to address issues affecting middle school students.

Bobby then departs from his written prepared remarks, saying that his friends Addie, Skeezie, and Joe “are the bravest people I know. They are strong enough to be who they are, no matter what names they get called. Even if we don’t win this election, I think they are winners” (252). 

When Bobby returns to his seat after giving the speech, he realizes, “[T]he place is going nuts” (253). Onstage, all of the candidates congratulate each other. Many students tell Bobby he gave “the best speech ever” (255). Colin turns to talk to Addie just as Kelsey approaches Bobby. Kelsey asks Bobby to go to the dance with her, and Bobby says yes. Bobby is nervous about what he and Kelsey will talk about at the dance but is also “beginning to trust that I can find the words when it matters” (256).

Bobby goes looking for his dad. At first, Bobby can’t find his dad and worries he didn’t come. When he finds him, Bobby’s dad is trying not to cry, saying, “I promised I wouldn’t embarrass you” (257). He tells Bobby he is proud of him.

Bobby feels proud for the rest of the day. He learns that it was Kelsey who drew his initials inside a heart on the scrap of paper he found in art class. The students have to wait until the next day to find out who won the election, but Bobby, Addie, Skeezie, and Joe are sure they won. They go to Addie’s house to celebrate. However, the next day, they learn they lost the election.