This is one of those books you can't put down, that draws you in, that makes you feel sad and appreciative at the same time. Troy's life is a look at what so many teens are going through in our country. Overweight and underloved, he thinks about killing himself. One of the best lessons learned through this fantastic story is that sometimes you have to save someone else before you can save yourself. It helps show that doing for others is a rewarding and wonderful way to make your own life better. I love the musical scenes and Going does a fabulous job of describing music and particularly drumming. I think this book would particularly interest boys, but anyone who struggles with weight would do well to read this one.
Library Uses
I would use this book with older students and have them write journal entries for times when they have been mistreated based on the way they look. I would also have the students come up with some community projects they could carry out over a semester and then have them discuss how helping others made them feel or changed their lives.
Reviews
Publishers Weekly
A fish out of water, 6'1", 300-pound Troy is on the verge of suicide-at least he believes he is-when he is inexplicably rescued by a homeless boy/legendary local punk rock musician. In PW's words, this is "a savvy and fast-paced debut." Ages 12-up. (Nov.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Claudia Mills - Children's Literature
The main reason that 300-pound Troy Billings doesn't commit suicide by jumping in front of a New York subway train is that he is afraid people will think it's funny: "Would it be funny if the Fat Kid got splattered by a subway train? Is that funny?" But he is also interrupted by a chance conversation with another lost teen: Curt MacCrae, homeless high-school dropout, druggie, and punk-rock legend. When Curt invites—cajoles, pressures, forces—Troy to become the drummer in his not-yet-formed rock band, Rage/Tectonic, overlooking the slight detail that Troy can't play the drums, Troy's life begins to change, and Curt's does, too. Troy's retired-marine-officer dad and sneering, hostile jock brother are at first dismissive, then grudgingly impressed, and for the first time in his life, Troy is impressed with himself, too. But in the end he is going to have to risk everything to save Curt as Curt once saved him. Troy's edgy present-tense narration is punctuated by hilarious and poignant imagined headlines: "FAT KID HALLUCINATING ABOUT COOL FRIEND;" "EXULTANT FAT KID REJOICES;" "FAT KID WITH A PLAN." Going creates a completely credible picture of the New York punk-rock scene and makes us believe in Troy's bumpy journey toward becoming both a rock-band drummer and a true friend; in the process she identifies herself as one of the most promising new voices in YA fiction. 2003, G. P. Putnam,
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