Fat Kid Rules the World

Publishers Weekly

A fish out of water, 6'1", 300-pound Troy is on the verge of suicide-at least he believes he is-when he is inexplicably rescued by a homeless boy/legendary local punk rock musician. In PW's words, this is "a savvy and fast-paced debut." Ages 12-up. (Nov.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

VOYA

Take a suicidal, three-hundred-pound misfit, whose sardonic sense of humor constantly supplies his imagination with headlines beginning FAT KID..., and inject him with hope in the form of Curt, an oddly charismatic "white piece of twine" who is addicted to prescription cold medicine and NyQuil(r). Troy, a.k.a. Big T, has never imagined himself as a fat kid drummer boy for any band, but Curt convinces him that they can become the next Smack Metal Puppets. Even before his mother died, Troy never felt as if he belonged, but now, Curt's drug-induced energy and personality push Big T into the limelight-whether he likes it or not. Curt, by completely ignoring Troy's negative image of himself, forces Troy to realize that there is more to life than his own misery. Suddenly, in a wild reversal of roles, FAT KID CARES becomes the headline most important to Troy. This book gives readers a wild ride through the mind and heart of a seventeen-year-old who contemplates suicide by imagining what his fat would look like splattered by a subway train. Going's edgy and realistic characterization of Troy and Curt will resonate with readers who themselves are struggling with image, depression, and drug abuse issues. Anyone who works with teenagers will recognize Curt and Troy immediately and come away from this book with a new understanding of what each person does in the name of self-protection. VOYA Codes: 4Q 3P S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2003, Putnam's, 177p,
— Lynn Evarts

Children's Literature

The main reason that 300-pound Troy Billings doesn't commit suicide by jumping in front of a New York subway train is that he is afraid people will think it's funny: "Would it be funny if the Fat Kid got splattered by a subway train? Is that funny?" But he is also interrupted by a chance conversation with another lost teen: Curt MacCrae, homeless high-school dropout, druggie, and punk-rock legend. When Curt invites—cajoles, pressures, forces—Troy to become the drummer in his not-yet-formed rock band, Rage/Tectonic, overlooking the slight detail that Troy can't play the drums, Troy's life begins to change, and Curt's does, too. Troy's retired-marine-officer dad and sneering, hostile jock brother are at first dismissive, then grudgingly impressed, and for the first time in his life, Troy is impressed with himself, too. But in the end he is going to have to risk everything to save Curt as Curt once saved him. Troy's edgy present-tense narration is punctuated by hilarious and poignant imagined headlines: "FAT KID HALLUCINATING ABOUT COOL FRIEND;" "EXULTANT FAT KID REJOICES;" "FAT KID WITH A PLAN." Going creates a completely credible picture of the New York punk-rock scene and makes us believe in Troy's bumpy journey toward becoming both a rock-band drummer and a true friend; in the process she identifies herself as one of the most promising new voices in YA fiction. 2003, G. P. Putnam,
— Claudia Mills

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-Actor Matthew Lillard (Scooby Doo, Scream) is briefly accompanied by punk rock music as he reads K. L. Going's novel with expression, enthusiasm, and emotion (Putnam, 2003). Lillard narrates clearly and fluidly, changing his voice for each character and making each role convincing. Troy, a 17-year-old 298 pound "Fat Kid," is considering suicide, but can't think of an approach that won't be funny to those who stifle giggles when they see him carry out everyday tasks. Deep in thought, Troy doesn't notice Curt watching him. Curt interrupts and claims that Troy owes him lunch in exchange for saving his life. Going named Curt after Kurt Cobain, an appropriate namesake for this troubled, genius guitar player determined to form a punk rock band. Curt is convinced Troy is the ideal drummer-except that Troy can't play the drums. These imperfect, but lovable and sometimes funny characters, developed through off-the-wall, powerful descriptions, create a realistic picture of the teen punk music world. Through some difficult life lessons, Curt inspires Troy to see himself differently. Ultimately, though, Troy finds his own path to self-confidence by reaching beyond himself to the needs of others, especially Curt. The poignant relationship is reminiscent of Holes, Of Mice and Men, and Freak the Mighty. The few female characters are portrayed as sexual objects, except for Troy's mother who died of cancer, and Curt's mother who wants nothing to do with him. Sexual references, negative portrayals of adults for most of the novel, and excessive use of expletives, especially the "f word," make this novel most appropriate for individual listening.-Kariana Cullen Gonzales, Lincoln Consolidated High School, Ypsilanti, MI Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.