When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt

Pages: 227

Intended Audience: Tweens

Genre: Coming-of-age

Notes for parents: Contains issues concerning parental separation, death of a sibling, obesity and teasing, religious baptism, and the Vietnam war.

Other notes: National Book Award Winner (USA)

The Back Cover

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 is serving in Vietnam. And the summer Zachary Beaver, the fattest boy in the world, arrives in Toby’s sleepy Texas town. While it’s a summer filled with heartache, 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.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

The story takes place during the Vietnam War, so likely the late 60s or early 70s. Zachary Beaver is part of a one-man traveling “freak show.”

What’s good?

Pretty much everything. This is a coming-of-age story with affable, sympathetic characters, a simple yet unique story, a down-to-earth setting, and loads of sentiment. Not surprisingly, the book was made into a movie in 2003.

Best part: The baptism.

What’s not so good?

At times, perhaps, the story can get a little too quaint, but ultimately I think that’s part of the charm.

Worst part: None come to mind.

Recommendations þþþþo

This isn’t likely to appeal to older teens because the main characters are around 13ish, but anyone who enjoys a well-written, well-told story will appreciate this book. This one-of-a-kind story moved quickly and unfolded with unpredictability and grace.

Holt, Kimberly Willis. When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. New York: Square Fish, 1999.