Fat Kid Rules the World

* Bibliographic information
Going, K. L. Fat Kid Rules the World. G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2003. ISBN: 9780399239908

- Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 2003
- Michael L. Printz Honor Books: 2004
- YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2004
- School Library Journal Best Books: 2003


* Plot Summary
300 pound 17-year-old, Troy is contemplating suicide when he meets Curt, a homeless teenager and rock and roll legend at Troy’s high school. After having lunch at a diner, Curt decides he and Troy are going to start a band and Troy will be the drummer. Troy is panicked because he has not played since seventh grade. Troy follows Curt’s plan to start a band because he wants a real friend and to do something “cool”. Troy sees himself as the “fat kid” and often refers to things he does in a newspaper headline form; “EXULTENT FAT KID REJOICES”. Curt shows signs of being a drug addict and Troy’s father tries to warn him to be careful because of this but Troy does not want to see it.


* Critical Evaluation
The character is extremely relatable for overweight teens who feel like complete outcasts. Troy’s point of view, although sad at times is hilarious. His “Fat Kid” headlines add an extra comedic aspect to the story that will make all readers smile. Every overweight teen is like Troy, aware of how much they are sweating, how they look to others, and how loud they are breathing. There is quite a bit of profanity in the book but teens use profanity often when adults are not around, so it is realistic. The character development of Troy is amazing to watch. Readers cheer for Troy as he gains confidence and decides to really be a drummer; to take it seriously and practice all the time. A great book that shows no matter how low you think you have sunk, things can always get better and sometimes it takes a skinny homeless teenager to make it happen.


* Reader’s Annotation
Curt stops Troy from killing himself on the subway, and Troy buys him lunch. Curt decides they need to start a punk band and Troy agrees to this plan because he wants a friend and a more interesting life but Troy may end up being the friend Curt needs.


* Information about the author
Going was born in New York and is also living there now. Before writing full time she took jobs as an “adult literacy tutor, a ticket agent for an airline, a front desk clerk at a resort hotel, as an assistant to two agents at a Manhattan Literary agency, and a manager of an independent bookstore”. She is married with a baby and a step-daughter. She says she has always written but had not planned to be a writer; she originally wanted to be in the Peace Corp. She has written many successful kid’s and young adult books, including the popular Saint Iggy. Check out the author’s site for more information on her or her books, http://www.klgoing.com/.


* Genre
Teen Fiction; Issues, Self-Esteem, Weight Issues


* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A


* Booktalking Ideas
1) In the beginning of the book, Troy does not have much of a relationship with his family, how does that change throughout the book?
2) Troy’s mother died from cancer when he was younger, what effect has that had on Troy, physically and mentally?
3) Troy’s brother and father know Curt is an addict but Troy does not see it. What are some of the signs he is?
4) In what ways do Curt and Troy help each other?


* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 9 and Up / 14 and Up


* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Profanity, Drugs and Drug Addiction.

Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0061214779/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf


* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I am including this book in my selection because I have never read a book told through an obese teenager and I feel like this book is a great way for people to get a glimpse into the life of an obese young adult. Through Troy’s thoughts, readers get an honest portrayal of the physical and mental discomfort teens, like him, face every day. Being overweight myself I read Troy’s thoughts where he thinks people are always watching and judging him and I think how ridiculous this sounds yet I do the same thing when I go out in public. I think this is a great book for teens that are overweight with low self-esteem. Overweight teens need to know there are others out there in their position and that there are people out there like Curt and Ollie who do not care how much a person weighs only that they are a good person.