Losing It

by Erin Fry

Overview

Bennett Robinson loves baseball, especially watching Dodgers games with his dad while munching on burgers and fries—the perfect “game food.” Baseball even helped Bennett and his dad get over his mom’s death from cancer. But there’s no way Bennett could ever play baseball. Bennett is fat, the kind of fat that gives you belly button sweat stains and makes it tough to get off a sagging couch. But on one perfect, baseball-watching day, everything changes. Bennett’s dad is taken away on a stretcher, and Bennett doesn’t know if he will live or die. Now Bennett has to move in with know-it-all Aunt Laura. And she’s making it her personal mission to Get Bennett Healthy. Bennett knows that Aunt Laura will take over his entire life if he lets her. It’s time for Bennett to step up to the plate. Because maybe there are some things a Fat Boy can do...like talk to a girl, run a mile, and maybe even save his own life. Erin Fry explores the issue of obesity with heart, depth, and humor in this unforgettable debut novel.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781477816684
Publisher:	Amazon Publishing
Publication date:	08/20/2013
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	274
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	620L (what's this?)
Age Range:	9 - 11 Years

About the Author

Erin Fry ran her first mile—gasping and barely shuffling—at age thirty-two. Since then she and her running shoes have become a dynamic duo, eventually conquering the L.A. Marathon. When Erin’s not running, she’s often writing about running, coaching kids who like to run, or driving one of her three kids to cross-country practice. She is also a curriculum writer, book reviewer, kickboxing instructor, and teacher. Losing It is her first novel for middle-grade readers. She lives in Glendora, California, with her family. Learn more about the author: www.erinmfry.com and www.erinmfry.blogspot.com

Editorial Reviews

This debut novel will resonate with middle grade readers eager for a realistic story.” —Library Media Connection

“I know a book is good when I find myself thinking about the main character after I close it; I still wonder what Bennett is up to!” —Carol Fitzgerald, Kidsreads

From the Publisher

Overweight eighth-grader Bennett receives a wake-up call when his obese father collapses with a stroke. Bennett doesn't deceive himself about the condition of his body. He knows he can't manage exercise and is addicted to junk food. But with his father hospitalized and emerging from a coma, he's taken in by his aunt and uncle. His uncle is a serious runner, and his aunt controls everything she can manage--and one of the things she's now decided to control is Bennett's obesity. Bennett, for himself and perhaps to model a healthier lifestyle for his father--though at first reluctantly--begins to cooperate with her overbearing management: initially a short walk, and then, ever so gradually, pushing himself to run. Readers will be rooting for this likable and determined teen as he bravely goes out for the track team, willing to suffer potential humiliation in order to rescue himself and his dad. He isn't helped in his efforts by his best friend, P.G., who views Bennett's new efforts as a betrayal of their friendship. Bennett's gradual weight loss and improving fitness don't come easily; his hard work is believably portrayed in his engagingly realistic voice. Fry's purposive debut is reminiscent of Chris Crutcher's works, but for a younger audience. An energizing and ultimately uplifting tale of the power to change. (Fiction. 10-15)

Kirkus Reviews