Out of Darkness

Brian Porter is obese. Not plump, not overweight, not even fat—obese. He’s struggled with his weight and its consequences all his life. School is a nonstop stream of aggressive bullying by both his peers and teachers. To top it off, his embarrassed family barely acknowledges Brian’s presence.

When bully Chris Miller challenges Brian to enter the neighborhood’s scariest house, Brian can’t say no. Not only has Chris promised to leave Brian alone all summer if he does, but it also might make a ...