Freak the Mighty, Symbolism

When Kevin gives Max a blank journal he also effectively give him a new beginning by instructing him to fill it up with "with our adventures." This is Max's chance to start a new story in his life and put everything that happened with his mom and dad past him. The journal is also symbolic of Kevin’s post-humus attempt at making amends with his best friend who he has wounded deeply with his lies.

Kevin's ornithopter, the toy bird, is pivotal in the lives of the two young men as it was the plot device that brought them together and as such Max even brings it with him to the hospital to comfort his dying friends. The Ornithopter is emblematic of their collective desire for freedom: Kevin, to be freed of his weak, diseased body, and Max, freedom from his tragic past and perception of himself as stupid.