When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
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Book Overview
National Book Award Winner The red words painted on the trailer caused quite a buzz around town and before an hour was up, half of Antler was standing in line with two dollars clutched in hand to see the fattest boy in the world. Toby Wilson is having the toughest summer of his life. It's the summer his mother leaves for good; the summer his best friend's brother returns from Vietnam in a coffin. And the summer that Zachary Beaver, the fattest boy in the world, arrives in their sleepy Texas town. While it's a summer filled with heartache of every kind, it's also a summer of new friendships gained and old friendships renewed. And it's Zachary Beaver who turns the town of Antler upside down and leaves everyone, especially Toby, changed forever. With understated elegance, Kimberly Willis Holt tells a compelling coming-of-age story about a thirteen-year-old boy struggling to find himself in an imperfect world. At turns passionate and humorous, this extraordinary novel deals sensitively and candidly with obesity, war, and the true power of friendship. When Zachary Beaver Came to Town is the winner of the 1999 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. This title has Common Core connections.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0805061169
ISBN13:9780805061161
Release Date:October 1999
Publisher:Henry Holt & Company
Length:227 Pages
Weight:0.92 lbs.
Dimensions:0.9" x 5.9" x 8.6"
Age Range:10 to 14 years
Grade Range:Grades 5 to 9
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
A Beautiful Book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I was quite taken in by this book for many reasons. But I know what the main one was. Without a doubt, this book has one of the clearest settings I have ever encountered. By the end of the first chapter, Antler, Texas is a town alive and throbbing with real characters and the sticky heat of the summer of 1971. All the characters come into focus, but none more so than Toby, the narrator. Perhaps no tale is more told in literature than the "coming-of-age" standard, but Holt pulls Toby's summer off with grace, humor, pathos, and honesty. Is this a children's book? Yea, and a darn fine one at that. But it's also more. It's about wars and mothers and dreams and tiny towns and big boys. Do not miss this place and this book!
Good family book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I read this and loved it! I must admit that I am a big reader, and enjoy reading much more than other people my age. (Which, by the way, is 14) But still, I REALLY enjoyed this book. If you are thinking of buying this for a gift, aim for the 9-12 and 18 and older female age group, and the 9-11 and and fatherly or sensitive older males. My final opinion is I think it has good characters, a good setting, and a GREAT story.
Simply Wonderful
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
No way is this book just for people 9-12! I'm 15 and its one of the best books I've ever read. Its so moving and gives you a great sense of love and friendship. Its sort of like The "Mitford" series for a younger generation. So I really hope there is a sequel! It would also make a fantastic movie! Its the first book I honestly could never put down, and I can't wait to read it again. You MUST read this book, you'll never forget it. :o)
Simply the best story of the year!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I just finished reading this book minutes ago and I am so moved and touched that I had to write in. Holt's writing is simple and cinematic. Her characters will stay with me for a long time. I was hesitant at first to read a book just about a fat boy who is ridiculed and objectified, but this book is so much more. The sub plots of Cal and his brother brought me to tears. I want to start reading it all over again.
A true Texas treasure
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
There is no room to doubt that this book more than deserved the 1999 National Book Award. Holt's quirky but lovable characters and beautiful imagery make this a book not quickly forgotten. This book is about friendship, loss, life, love and everything that connects them. For adults who revelled in Billie Letts' WHERE THE HEART IS, this book rings with the same poignancy and life-affirming spirit.
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