Malcolm in the Middle

Malcolm in the Middle

Television Show

20th Century Fox, 2002

ASIN B0006G8J7

4 (out of 5) STARS

Plot Summary

Malcolm in the Middle follows a dysfunctional family in an anonymous location. The family is headed by super-stressed supermom Lois, and eccentric child-at-heart Hal. The eldest son, Francis, once a wild youth, now lives on a ranch with his wife, Piama. Next in line is dimwitted ne'r-do-well Reece. Second youngest emerging genius and evil mind in the making Dewey, and baby Jamie, already a troublemaker, is the youngest. Smack in the middle is Malcolm, a moody certified genius who seems to be the only hope his family has. Since his discovery at the age of eleven, Malcolm has been his own worst enemy - though he'll tell you that his family is his worst enemy.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212671/plotsummary

Critical Evaluation

Malcolm in the middle is a great sitcom. It is very funny. It also has many lines that are quotable which makes it a plus with teens. When I was a teenager, my friends and I would watch the same movies over and over and then quote many lines from them in conversation when it was appropriate. And often when it was not appropriate.

Although Malcolm's family lives in chaos, it is quite believable. In a home with four boys, I would imagine that nearly anything could happen. And in Malcolm in the Middle, it does happen.

Reader’s Annotation

N/A

Information about the author

N/A

Genre

realistic fiction. situation comedy.

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

N/A

Reading Level

age 13 and up. rated TV-PG

Challenge Issues

This sit com is fairly tame but it is quite irreverent at times. There is also some nudity.

It is best to be prepared for a book challenge before it is challenged. It is important to read the book all the way through and to have read both positive and negative reviews of the book from professionals and teens as well. Be aware of the library’s collection policy. Also check for any awards the book may have won. It would be beneficial to see how other library’s may have handled challenges for this particular book in the past.

*Above information works the same for a TV show.

Why Included?

Malcolm is absolutely hilarious and has a huge following of fans.