A heartwarming and poignant coming-of-age novel by Kimberly Willis Holt. Set in a small Texas town during the 1970s, the story follows thirteen-year-old Toby Wilson, whose life is turned upside down when Zachary Beaver—the world's fattest boy—arrives as a carnival attraction. As Toby grapples with family problems, friendship, loss, and growing up, he learns valuable lessons about compassion, acceptance, and seeing beyond appearances. The novel beautifully captures the challenges of adolescence and the power of human connection.