He was in Grade 8; 13 or 14 years old.
Max is about 16. He got left back in 7th grade twice, that would make him 15 and it has been a year since Freak died. Even though he is in the 8th grade, he is 16.
max and freak are the protagonists, because the protagonist is the main character and they are the main characters
How to read
Tony D. (Blade) and his gang