"They have fat umpires, don't they?"

Thirteen-year old Bennet Robinson is a big Dodgers fan - in more ways than one. He and his dad watch the games together on the sagging sofa while eating burgers and fries, and both have serious weight problems. But things change when Bennet's dad suffers a stroke. His mom died of cancer when he was 5 and until his dad gets out of rehab (IF he gets out) he's going to have to live with his pushy Aunt Laura and her family. Bennett doesn't want to end up like his dad, and when he sees a notice on the bulletin board at school about the cross country team he considers joining.

This was a surprisingly fun read, and told from Bennett's perspective makes him very easy to sympathize with and relate to. As if running a mile or two isn't hard enough for a "fat boy," he's also got to deal with the knowledge that there are serious limits to his father's insurance coverage. He's uncomfortable living at Aunt Laura's house, and his best friend, PG, isn't very supportive of his decision. Oh yeah - there's also Luis, who's picking on him at school, and he doesn't know how to stand up to a bully. But it's not all bad - a really cute girl seems to actually like him. It some ways it even reminded me of Gary Schmidt's outstanding The Wednesday Wars, although maybe not quite as cleverly-written. And it all adds up to an easy-to-read and inspiring story about not giving up - for kids of all sizes. ( )

"They have fat umpires, don't they?"

Thirteen-year old Bennet Robinson is a big Dodgers fan - in more ways than one. He and his dad watch the games together on the sagging sofa while eating burgers and fries, and both have serious weight problems. But things change when Bennet's dad suffers a stroke. His mom died of cancer when he was 5 and until his dad gets out of rehab (IF he gets out) he's going to have to live with his pushy Aunt Laura and her family. Bennett doesn't want to end up like his dad, and when he sees a notice on the bulletin board at school about the cross country team he considers joining.

This was a surprisingly fun read, and told from Bennett's perspective makes him very easy to sympathize with and relate to. As if running a mile or two isn't hard enough for a "fat boy," he's also got to deal with the knowledge that there are serious limits to his father's insurance coverage. He's uncomfortable living at Aunt Laura's house, and his best friend, PG, isn't very supportive of his decision. Oh yeah - there's also Luis, who's picking on him at school, and he doesn't know how to stand up to a bully. But it's not all bad - a really cute girl seems to actually like him. It some ways it even reminded me of Gary Schmidt's outstanding The Wednesday Wars, although maybe not quite as cleverly-written. And it all adds up to an easy-to-read and inspiring story about not giving up - for kids of all sizes. ( )

"They have fat umpires, don't they?"

Thirteen-year old Bennet Robinson is a big Dodgers fan - in more ways than one. He and his dad watch the games together on the sagging sofa while eating burgers and fries, and both have serious weight problems. But things change when Bennet's dad suffers a stroke. His mom died of cancer when he was 5 and until his dad gets out of rehab (IF he gets out) he's going to have to live with his pushy Aunt Laura and her family. Bennett doesn't want to end up like his dad, and when he sees a notice on the bulletin board at school about the cross country team he considers joining.

This was a surprisingly fun read, and told from Bennett's perspective makes him very easy to sympathize with and relate to. As if running a mile or two isn't hard enough for a "fat boy," he's also got to deal with the knowledge that there are serious limits to his father's insurance coverage. He's uncomfortable living at Aunt Laura's house, and his best friend, PG, isn't very supportive of his decision. Oh yeah - there's also Luis, who's picking on him at school, and he doesn't know how to stand up to a bully. But it's not all bad - a really cute girl seems to actually like him. It some ways it even reminded me of Gary Schmidt's outstanding The Wednesday Wars, although maybe not quite as cleverly-written. And it all adds up to an easy-to-read and inspiring story about not giving up - for kids of all sizes. ( )

Book Trailer: Losing It http://safeshare.tv/w/FkkaecGZhP

From November 2012 SLJ:
Gr 5-8:�Since his mom died when he was five, Bennett and his dad have been enough for each other. Their favorite pastime is cheering on the Dodgers in front of the TV with burgers and fries close at hand. Then his father has a stroke, and Bennett goes to live with relatives. At first he resents Aunt Laura's controlling nature as she cuts fast food from his diet and encourages him not so subtly to lead a healthier lifestyle. But seeing his dad in a coma has shaken him. Uncle Jim suggests they start walking together, and soon Bennett is jogging. His interest is sparked when he sees cross-country team flyers at school, and he apprehensively attends the first meeting of the season. As he gets involved in the sport, he has moments of sheer misery when he wants to quit, but the dawning realization that he is improving enables him to stand up to being harassed and to better help his father through a slow recovery. Even when his best friend, also overweight, tries to discourage him from his new interests, Bennett perseveres. While this story tackles serious topics, it is not heavy-handed: Bennett is engaging, and readers will recognize many of the challenges that he faces. The way that he matures as he juggles visits to his convalescing father with his other commitments and learns to appreciate his extended family is believable and inspiring. Fry has a great ear for middle school dialogue, and her light, humorous touch will ensure that readers keep turning the pages until the uplifting conclusion. ( )