Teen Fiction

Stuffed

Name: Stuffed
Author: Eric Walters
ISBN: 9781551435008

by Eric Walters

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Overview

When Ian and his classmates watch a documentary about the health concerns of eating fast food, Ian decides to start a boycott and stop everyone he can from eating at Frankie's, a huge fast-food chain with a questionable menu. The boycott takes off and Frankie's gets concerned. The company's lawyers threaten Ian and his friends and try to force them to stop the boycott. Ian must convince others that the boycott is a good idea. Can Ian stand up for what he believes in? Can you take on a corporate behemoth and win?

Synopsis

"So, do we have a deal?" Mr. Evans asked. "Unbelievable," I muttered under my breath. "I don't understand," Mr. Evans said. "The whole thing is unbelievable. First you try to ...

Stephanie Squicciarini - KLIATT

After watching a documentary about Frankie's, a fast food restaurant, and being stimulated to "liven" up his computer science paper on the impact of the Internet and e-mail, Ian plans a boycott of the restaurant in order to send a message to Frankie's about not only their unhealthy menu, but also the tactics they use to entice eaters. By blitzing his IM and e-mail contacts and having his two best friends, Julia and Oswald, do the same, within hours thousands of people have heard the message. The ripples are quickly so far-reaching that Ian receives a cease-and-desist letter from the law firm representing Frankie's. Given a no-win offer to avoid a lawsuit, the most useful help comes not from Ian's high-powered lawyer parents, but from someone he least expects. In this new entry in the Orca Soundings Series, Walters offers up an entertaining story he admits in an opening author's note was inspired by his viewing of the documentary Super Size Me. Pacing, characters, appeal and understated humor, along with a subtle subplot featuring Oswald and Julia attempting the dreaded dating-your-best-friend thing, create an entertaining and intriguing read. KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2006, Orca, Soundings, 108p., Ages 12 to 18.

About the Author, Eric Walters

Eric Walters began writing in 1993 as a way to entice his grade five students into becoming more interested in reading and writing. At the end of the year, one student suggested that he try to have his story published. Since that first creation, Eric has published nearly seventy novels. His novels have all become bestsellers and have won over eighty awards. Often his stories incorporate themes that reflect his background in education and social work and his commitment to humanitarian and social-justice issues. He is a tireless presenter, speaking to over 70,000 students per year in schools across the country. Eric is a father of three and lives in Mississauga, Ontario, with his wife Anita and dogs Lola and Winnie. For more information, visit www.ericwalters.net.

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Editorials

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"Excellent."

Washington State Revew Group

"Engaging and fast-moving, this is another noteworthy and well-written story."

ReaderReviews.com

"A great way to show kids that one person can make a difference."

Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children's Books

"This is a book with many themes and would make an excellent starting point for discussion about political activism."

Children's Literature - Mary Bowman-Kruhm

Using Instant Messaging, Ian involves friends Julia and Oswald in a campaign to boycott Frankie's, a fast-food franchise headquartered in their hometown. Frankie's touts its super-sized portions and ignores healthy alternatives. Ultimately, with minimal help from his trial-lawyer parents and a previously irksome law teacher, Ian successfully outwits the lawyer assigned by Frankie's to stop the boycott. Despite some expected events and characters, this short book, inspired by the documentary and book Super Size Me, sends a message to readers about the ability of average teens to make a difference, especially by employing the high-tech devices their generation loves. Written on a high—third grade reading level, this book is highly recommended and cuts across a variety of curricula areas. Teacher's Guide available on publisher's Web site http://www.orcabook.com

KLIATT

Lisa A. Hazlett

When fifteen-year-old Ian views Stuffed, an expose of the Frankie's fast food chain and similar to the real Super Size Me, his class project emerges. He likes Frankie's food, but dislikes their unhealthy ingredients, toys and gimmicks used to entice customers, and negative corporate policies. He posts his suggestion of a one-day Frankie's boycott on the Internet. Ian reaches millions with hundreds responding, including Frankie's attorneys, who offer his school a free Frankie's lunch in lieu of boycotting. Ian and Frankie's attorney present their positions to Ian's entire school, with students unanimously selecting to boycott. Tidily, Ian is offered a future position by opposing council, the girl he secretly likes calls, and Frankie's menu becomes healthier. Ian is an intelligent, witty narrator, and this fast-paced, large-print novel explores the seamy sides of the fast-food industry and legal profession while revealing the business tactics of each as being remarkably similar.

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-In Exposure, Julie dreads going to school because of her classmate Dana's constant bullying. When her brother brings home a digital camera full of incriminating pictures of her tormentor, she devises a plan for revenge that may just send Dana over the edge. The story is told from Julie's point of view, so readers get the full effect of the bully's behavior. The author also makes the point that revenge may not be so sweet as Julie discovers that making her nemesis feel bad doesn't necessarily make her feel any better. Her friend Sammy is the voice of reason, casting doubt on her plan. In Stuffed, a documentary about the dangers of fast-food consumption prompts Ian and his friends to boycott the local branch of a national chain. When he uses the Internet to gain support for his crusade, the restaurant takes legal action and he is faced with a difficult decision. Ian is an interesting character who is not easily manipulated or afraid to speak his mind. He shows that one person can make a difference. Both novels are quick, engaging reads. Well written and thoughtful, they will be popular with reluctant readers.-Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.