Biography - Crutcher, Chris, Greenwillow Books, 1993, ISBN 9780060094898
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes produced and outstanding has a very attractive book cover that is colorful and sparks the readers interest. On the inside the author reveals outstanding literature that develops slow and strong. Eric Calhoune who was called (Moby) by his peers due to his obesity. Sarah Byrnes a badly scared young lady who is Eric's friend. Eric and Sarah became friends due to the fact that both of them were considered outcast because of their appearance by their classmates. Eric and Sarah Byrnes who only wanted to be called by her full name are loyal and do not want to lose their friendship. Eric joins the swim team and begins to lose weight, however he continues his bad eating habits to stay fat so he want lose Sarah Byrnes as his friend. Sarah Byrnes shuts down and stop speaking and has to go to a mental ward, because she she fears her abusive father and thinks he may return. Crutcher presents so many elements in this novel that the reader will find a connection . Crutcher shows peer pressure, bullying, abuse, violence, poor self-image, religion, suicide, depression, friendship, humor, courage, and self- awareness. All of the characters were true to life, and active., each one had their own problems but were able to work together to help each other. This is a great fit for readers ages 12-14.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you know someone thats consisdered an outcast and how does this label affect them?
2. Do you think that Eric's tacktics to help Sarah was effective or could it have be better?
3. What was so powerful about this group of students labeled outcast that made them over come their issues?
1997- California Young Reader Medal- Young Adult
1995- Joan Fassler Memorial Book Award for Best Medical-Related Children's Book
"superb plotting, extraordinary characters and crackling narrative make this novel one to be devoured in a single unforgettable sitting"- Publishers Weekly
"Crutcher places the issues of shame, narrow-mindedness, and abuse. Once the story takes hold you move along at such a rapid clip that by the end you're holding on for dear life"- Children's Literature
" A story about a friendship with staying power, written with pathos and pointed humor" School Library Journal
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