Age Group: 9 - 12 Years, 12+ Years

Description:

It is the summer of 1971 in the small town of Antler, Texas, and nothing exciting ever happens. Then Zachary Beaver arrives, billed as “the fattest boy in the world.” He lives in a trailer, and people pay to look at him. Thirteen-year-old Toby is curious, but soon he finds a lonely, proud boy behind the show. That summer Toby is also missing his mother, who has left home, and worrying about his best friend’s brother, who is fighting in Vietnam. It is a touching story about kindness, friendship and growing up.