Fat Boy Swim
This book by Catherine Forde is an inspirational story of an overweight teen overcoming his size and finding out that he is a person of worth and purpose.
Fourteen-year-old Jimmy Kelly is Fat Boy Fat, the largest kid in his Scottish community. His confidence is low and his friend count is lower. His obesity alienates him everywhere he goes. He only feels secure when he is home, preferably in his kitchen creating culinary masterpieces. If the kids at school knew that Fat Boy Kelly's one special talent involved food, his ridicule would be unbearable.
However, once Coach G.I. Joe steps in to trade services with Jimmy, everything begins to change. Coach needs mouth-watering dishes and deserts for a fund-raiser and in exchange, he insists that he help Jimmy learn to swim. What follows is an uplifting narrative of the underdog swimming his way to the top of the class and getting the girl to boot.
"Fat Boy Swim" is a novel written for ages 14 and up. Ms. Forde breathes life into her characters by giving them strong personalities and even stronger emotions. She allows Jimmy to have many failings, but his successes are so powerful, they make you want to cheer him on. When he asserts himself for the sake of a special girl he receives a reward in the form of friendship that grows into love.
"Fat Boy Swim" has something for everyone. Boys will love the competition between Jimmy and the school bullies. Girls will love the romance Jimmy shares with Ellie. Parents will enjoy the ambition and drive Jimmy displays once he sets his mind to accomplishing his goals. A great read for teens on up.
