When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

by Kimberly Willis Holt

Nothing ever happens in Toby’s small Texas town. Nothing much until this summer that’s full of big changes.
It’s tough for Toby when his mother leaves home to be a country singer. Toby takes it hard when his best friend Cal’s older brother goes off to fight in Vietnam. Now their sleepy town is about to get a jolt with the arrival of Zachary Beaver, billed as the fattest boy in the world. Toby is in for a summer unlike any other, a summer sure to change his life.

Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Coming Of Age

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 15, 1999

About the author

Kimberly Willis Holt is the author of the Piper Reed series, including Piper Reed, Navy Brat, Piper Reed, Clubhouse Queen, and Piper Reed, Rodeo Star. She has written many award-winning novels, including The Water Seeker and My Louisiana Sky, as well as the picture books Waiting for Gregory and Skinny Brown Dog. A former Navy brat herself, Holt was born in Pensacola, Florida, and lived all over the U.S. and the world—from Paris to Norfolk to Guam to New Orleans. Holt long dreamed of being a writer, but first worked as a radio news director, marketed a water park, and was an interior decorator, among other jobs. A few years after she started writing, her third book, When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, won a National Book Award for Young People's Literature. She resides in West Texas with her family.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/kimber...

Reviews

[AJ Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is like the quiet indie film you watch after a marathon of Hollywood blockbusters. So refreshing.

Back during elementary school was probably the first time I picked up 'When Zachary Beaver Came to Town'. Unfortunately I never finished it because my attention span was that of a peanut. Although surprisingly, the story itself always stood out to me, so I knew I had to check it out someday.

The story is set during the Vietnam era and captures the portrait of a small Texas town and the abnormally obese boy who arrives at a parking lot, living in a trailer to be viewed and awed at. He is the main and only attraction. This is the heart of the story, but it is not the main focus.

Our main focus is with a young boy, Toby, living with only his father. His mother leaves to approach her dreams as a country singer, something that wasn't very welcomed during that day and age. Toby's best friend Cal has a brother fighting over in the Vietnam War. Toby views Cal and the rest of his family as an extended family to himself. In the end, this is a coming of age story. Zachary Beaver is the catalyst for events and never makes the story over-the-top, even though he easily could have.

This is a quiet story aimed towards kids in the late elementary - early jr high school years. Take that with a grain of salt though, because the writing is beyond spectacular and simple for this type of story. There are elements of young puppy love, adolescent boyish adventures, war, women pursuing their dreams by breaking the mold that America viewed them as people who should stay at home. And so much more...

That's most likely the reason I could never appreciate this kind of story at a younger age. If anything, I wish more YA books and even middle school stories would be more like this. Even though the point of view comes from young eyes, it never feels like an adults POV. Yet it never treads into childish territory. Even the petty crush between a boy and girl feels so real. So many stories nowadays (especially with YA) feels so scripted. It's so nice to read something like this. This story feels real. This sets the bar. And I love that.

[The Dusty Jacket · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing ever happens in Antler, Texas. Nothing much at all. Until this afternoon, when an old blue Thunderbird pulls a trailer decorated with Christmas lights into the Dairy Maid parking lot. The red words painted on the trailer cause quite a buzz around town, and before an hour is up, half of Antler is standing in line with two dollars clutched in hand to see the fattest boy in the world.

It’s the summer of ‘71 in Antler, Texas and the biggest news in town was Cal’s brother, Wayne, serving in Vietnam and Toby’s mom, Opalina, going to Nashville to compete in the National Amateurs’ Country Music Competition at the Grand Ole Opry. Those two things alone were enough to keep the town’s tongues wagging for a while, but then along came that white trailer carrying the world’s fattest boy. Just two dollars and you could gawk all you like. It doesn’t seem like anything could top this, but Toby Wilson and Cal McKnight are two teenagers in a small town so you can bet that adventure—and trouble—aren’t too far behind.

With her National Book Award winning novel, Kimberly Willis Holt takes us to small town America in the early 70s. A time when the country was embroiled in the Vietnam War, the local cafe was where you went to get updated on all the latest news, and there was nothing so bad that eating a snow cone with your best friend couldn’t make right. Holt’s downhome, folksy writing immediately sets a tone of comfort, familiarity, and inclusion for her readers and instantly makes you a part of this tight-knit town that boasts the Wag-a-Bag, Bowl-a-Rama, AND Wylie Womack’s snow cone cart. What more could a town need?

Holt explores so many important and relevant themes that often (and unfortunately) go unexplored in today’s stories for young readers. It’s the subtle niceties that bear no monetary value that seldom makes it to the written page: allowing a person to maintain their dignity, extending a stranger common courtesy and respect, and accepting loss and defeat with grace and valor. Kindness, decency, and friendship serve as the foundation for When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, but Holt also shines a light on the selfish side of human nature and how easy it is to put our own wants and desires ahead of what is right—regardless of the consequences. She also explores a number of relationships in her book with each one offering readers a valuable lesson in forgiveness, humility, and empathy.

Two teenage boys learned so much when Zachary Beaver came to town, but perhaps the most important were that friends don’t snitch on one another, you always stick up for those who can’t defend themselves, and you never, never turn down the chance to dance with the girl of your dreams…especially when a song by the Carpenters is playing.

[Laina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I think deserves 20 stars. I just spent the last half hour bawling as I read the end. It was sad, but mainly touching. Where I'd heard other people call the story weird or bored, I thought it was beautiful. It was touching how Toby dealt with these problems he had, and his character was true and believable. Lately, I've been craving this style of writing, too. For some reason I find it much easier to relate to the characters when they're telling the story as its happening. Truly a remarkable read, but if you don't do well reading about slow-paced slow towns and you want high action, I don't suggest it. If you're looking for a beautiful, meaningful read, I definitely recommend this book! Remarkable!

[Carly Ullmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town was not my favorite book. It was a summer reading choice, and I had already read the others that seemed interesting. I found the story to be repetitive because the main characters (Toby and Cal) would do the same things every day. As a reader, I feel like I need more variety and detail to really get into the story. The plot didn't really have an overall problem that was big enough, so it made it somewhat boring to read. I may suggest this novel to people who need a boost in their self confidence because many of the characters had strong differences from the average person, which a lot of readers may relate to.

Our narrator Toby tells the story alongside his best friend Cal. Zachary Beaver, the so called "fattest kid in the world" comes to Antler. The two boys make it their mission to befriend the lonely boy living in the trailer.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I taught this novel to a class of high intermediate level ESOL students. The majority of them didn't really enjoy it. We (the ULL IEP) try to choose books for them that have the right combination of appropriate/inoffensive language and thematic content, challenging but reasonable vocabulary, and subjects or characters they can relate to.

This novel was chosen because it deals with themes the students are familiar with-- being an outsider in an unfamiliar place, separation from family members, and personal growth. I can see why these students may not have enjoyed the work. For one, the main character is twelve years old; these students range in age from 17-25. Also, the novel is chock full of references to 1960s American pop culture. Because they come from South America, West Africa, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, they neither know about nor care about these things for the most part. I made a CD with songs from the novel so they could get a better feel for the content. It seemed to help.

The thing they and I all did really enjoy was the humor in the book. There are some boys will be boys moments that are pretty funny. It helps that the book is written with some comic relief from the serious themes and issues such as the Vietnam War, an obese orphan who is exhibited for money, and a twelve year old boy watching his parents divorce, that drive the plot.

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

88% Amazing

I am going to be honest with ya... I did not have high hope with this book. When I picked this book up at a book bizarre I thought, I do not think I will like this book but it is worth a try. And when I picked it up a few days ago to read, I thought Ugh, this is going to be a book like Whispering to Witches and I am going to hate it. Buuuuut, guess what! I lovedit. It was funny, heart-warming and told an amazing story of friendship. I'm so glad I picked it up because it was a nice easy read.

-------------
Author:Kimberly Willis Holt
Pages:256
Ages:12+

[Jen Bojkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I've had some good luck lately with good books. This one comes highly recommended. The story is interesting and well-written. Centers around a young boy in the early 1970s trying to understand his mother's leaving and the experience of his best friend's older brother in Vietnam. This author reminds me of other great story tellers like Cynthia Lord, E.B. White, Lauri Halse Anderson, etc. Pick this one u if you want an entertaining read that has depth.

[Tiegan · Rating 1 out of 5]

puke worthy only reading it beacause my school is making it

[Angela R. Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hit a bit too close to home, that one scene did, but the book is way better than the movie.

[Jordyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. It teaches you that friendship is important and family is forever, no matter how far away. This book will make you cry and cheer out in joy, you will never know what to expect. Also, the author takes you on a journey through a young boys life, Toby, as if it were you. The summer of 1971 changes this small town of Antler, Texas for the better , read this book and you will go along for the ride!!!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: Nothing ever happens in Antler, Texas. Nothing much at all. Until this afternoon, when an old blue Thunderbird pulls a trailer decorated with Christmas lights into the Dairy Maid parking lot. The red words painted on the trailer cause quite a buzz around town, and before an hour is up, half of Antler is standing in line with two dollars clutched in hand to see the fattest boy in the world.Since it’s too late in the summer for firecrackers and too early for the Ladybug Waltz, Cal and I join Miss Myrtie Mae and the First Baptist Quilting Bee at the back of the line. Miss Myrtie Mae wears a wide-brimmed straw hat. She claims that she’s never exposed her skin to sun. Even so, wrinkles fold into her face like an unironed shirt. She takes her job as town historian and librarian seriously, and as usual, her camera hangs around her neck.

Premise/plot: In the summer of 1971, Zachary Beaver came to town; he came to Antler, Texas, a super small town. For better or worse, he came as a sideshow act--an act labeling him the fattest BOY in the world. Toby Wilson, Cal McKnight, and Tara Stalling are just a few among the many that have gathered together and payed a few bucks to see this 'fattest boy in the world' with their very own eyes. Days later it appears that Zachary has been abandoned there in town in his trailer...and thus begins an unforgettable summer.

My thoughts: I really loved When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. The characterization was amazing. We get to know what feels like the whole town. The characters have depth and substance. I cared about them all. It's not unusual to care about the main characters--but to care about all the characters, to feel that they are all "real" "breathing" "living" human beings...that is much rarer. The book is sad without drowning in sadness. I guess what I'm trying to say (and probably failing) is that the weight of the sadness is balanced with light, hope, and even humor. It is a book that celebrates FRIENDSHIP. And specifically how friends forgive each other and support each other.

I also loved the writing.

Quotes:
Scarlett Stalling walks toward the line, holding her bratty sister Tara’s hand. Scarlett looks cool wearing a bikini top underneath an open white blouse and hip huggers that hit right below her belly button. With her golden tan and long, silky blond hair, she could do a commercial for Coppertone.
Scarlett doesn’t go to the back of the line. She walks over to me. To me. Smiling, flashing that Ultra Brite sex appeal smile and the tiny gap between her two front teeth. Cal grins, giving her the tooth, but I lower my eyelids half-mast and jerk my head back a little as if to say, “Hey.”
Then she speaks. “Hey, Toby, would ya’ll do me a favor?”

Sheriff Levi Fetterman drives by, making his afternoon rounds. He slows down and looks our way. His riding dog, Duke, sits in the passenger seat. Duke is Sheriff Levi’s favorite adoptee. Anytime someone in Antler finds a stray cat or dog, they call the sheriff to pick up the animal and take it to the pound. Sheriff Levi can’t bear to dump a dog, and because of that he has a couple dozen living on his one-acre place a mile out of town. However, cats are a different story. They go straight to the pound.

It seems weird, standing here, staring at someone because they look different. Wylie Womack is the strangest-looking person in Antler, but I’m so used to seeing his crooked body riding around town in his beat-up golf cart that I don’t think about him looking weird.

Dad might as well be from Pluto as from Dallas. People in Antler see it as the same thing. The funny thing is, now it seems like Dad belongs here more than Mom. I don’t think she ever counted on him settling in Antler when he passed through years ago, looking for a place to raise worms.


Mom is known as the singing waitress. She makes up songs for the customers, and if they’re a pain, she makes up songs about them. Her voice is high and strong with just the right twang. She may sing songs about honky-tonk angels while serving Bowl-a-Rama specials, but in her mind she’s probably on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
In the cafe, next to the picture of the Lord’s Supper, Ferris hung a huge banner above the soda fountain counter—Good Luck, Opalina!
Ferris comes out from behind the counter, limping to the door and turning the Open sign around to face the front. The talk around town is his limp was a self-inflicted wound so he didn’t have to serve in the Korean War. Ferris claims it was a pure coincidence that he was cleaning his gun the day before he was to report for active duty.
Before that happened, Ferris wanted to be a preacher. He even went a semester to a Bible college in Oklahoma. Now he never goes to church, but Mom says he knows the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.

Ferris’s chalkboard hangs near the kitchen window behind the counter. Today’s Special: Honey Fried Chicken, Corn Fritters, and Mustard Greens. Beneath the menu is the daily Bible verse. “It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.” Proverbs 20:3. Mom says some people wear their religion on their sleeves. Ferris posts his on the chalkboard.
Southern gospel music plays from the jukebox, but the sound of bowling balls hitting pins in the next room can still be heard. From the kitchen window, Ima Jean stares at us through her steamed-up cat-eyed glasses. With the back of her hand, she wipes them in a circular motion.
Ferris does a double take when he sees Dad. “How ya doing, Otto? Haven’t seen you in a long time.”
Dad nods toward Ferris. “Doing fine. Yourself?”
Ferris strokes his beard stubble. “Couldn’t be better. Sure do miss your woman, though.”
Dad glances at the Good Luck, Opalina! sign hanging over the counter.

While we wait, Malcolm’s little brother, Mason, and four other chubby third graders show up with sticks in their hands. Unlike Malcolm, Mason is tough and the leader of his bully pack. Each kid takes a side of the trailer and starts hitting it with sticks. Over their pounding, Mason yells, “Hey, fat boy! Show your face!”
Something boils inside me. I remember when kids like them beat up on me just because they could. I wouldn’t snitch, and since Dad was against it, I wouldn’t fight back either. But today is different. Today we’re soldiers, fighting for Zachary.

[Carol Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The place is the south, the Texas town of Antler, but the time period has moved up about 20 years. This is a story of an unlikely friendship between three boys: Toby, his best friend Cal (whose brother, Wayne, is serving in Vietnam); and the sideshow star, Zachary Beaver, who comes to town and is billed as the "fattest boy in the world." Ostensibly, Zachary is trying to eat his way into the Guinness Book of World Records and is hostile to the boys' feeble attempts to befriend him. It's not until Cal's older sister genuinely shows interest in him, that the ice is broken between the boys. There is an undercurrent of lies and dishonesty throughout the story. Toby comfortably lies about his mother, but is bothered about Zachary's obvious lies about his own past. When Wayne dies, Toby can't bring himself to attend the funeral. Zachery confronts him which proves to be a turning point for all three boys. Recommended for 4-8th graders, this book can help students think about honesty, stereotypes, and friendship

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been sitting on my shelf for a long, long time. I am glad I finally read it.

The setting is 1971 in Antler, Texas. The main story is about the boy named Zachary Beaver who comes to town as part of a freak-show, but there are underlying stories that concern Toby and Cal, the two boys who befriend him.

This is a pretty delightful story--lots of great universal ideas--friendship, war, family, dreams, identity, salvation.

[Tammy Schoen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrator Toby tells the story of a few weeks in a small Texan town. Zachary Beaver, ‘The World’s Fattest Boy’ comes to town and Toby and his best friend Cal make a connection with him.

Through baptism, death, abandonment, first crushes and the Viet Nam War, we see a young boy struggling to deal with all of the changes in his life and the world around him. Toby learns that friendship and kindness to others really helps you ‘make sense’ of things.

Sweet story.

[Christian Locy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that was about friend ship and differences and I would recommend this book because it was a heartwarming book that that brought tears to my eyes but made me feel good good about it and I think that if there could be a second book then I would probably be the first to by it.

[Chloe Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiler Alerts!
“When Zachary Beaver Came to Town” This book is about a kid named Zachary coming to the town of Antler, Texas. Zachary is labeled as “The fattest boy in the world”. Zachary comes to town in his trailer and everyone hears about it. All the kids wait in line and pay to see Zachary in his trailer, to see the fattest boy in the world. His trailer is covered in what seems to circus lights. Then Toby and Cal come in, they want to find out more about Zachary than what he’s labeled as.
One important aspect of the book was the themes it involved. The theme in Zachary Beaver is more than just one thing. One theme showed was friendship, the friendship is shown by Cal and Toby. They were already friends to begin with, but then they wanted to get Zachary involved. Another theme going along with that in the book is compassion. The compassion by Toby because he wants more, he wants to know more than what there is to see about Zachary. "It seems weird, standing here, staring at someone because they look different." Chapter 2 page 13.
Another important aspect of the book was the overall plot. I really enjoyed the plot of the book and the way it was set up. The overall plot of the book was Zachary beaver coming to town basically as a slideshow act is what everyone else would have considered it. Toby and Cal heard and at first wanted to be like everyone else and just stare, little did they know this was major changes for them. In the next few weeks the boy’s friendship will be tested, and do they pass? Yes, they do with a little help from Zachary, there bond becomes stronger. “And in this moment, I realize one reason it's so great to have a best friend is sometimes, like right now, Cal and I are thinking the very same thing.”
“When Zachary Beaver Came to Town”, this book showed me to never judge a book by it’s cover. It is a great example of that. Everyone wanted to judge Zachary because he was “fat” or “overweight”, without even knowing him as a person. Every story has a turn for the good or the bad. This story has a little bit of both, and I enjoyed that.
Overall, I give this book a 3.5/5. This book is more for a middle school audience. I went for this book to try something new I usually stick with romance books or mysteries, but overall this book was not a bad stick to try to steer my way into a different genre. I enjoyed some parts of the theme, and the plot as well. With testing friendship boundaries and making new ones at the same time. If you liked the book “As Simple as it Seems” Then I would recommend this book for you!

[Avery Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
Realistic Fiction
Kimberly Willis Holt
# of pages 227
When zachary Beaver Came to town, written by Kimberly Willis Holt is a great realistic fiction book because you can relate to the story and the characters feelings. The main characters in When Zachary Beaver Came to Town are Toby, Cal, and Zachary Beaver. This story starts out in a small town called Antler, Texas where Toby and Cal grew up. Toby’s Mom leaves to go to Nashville and become a singer. Cal’s brother, Wayne, goes off to fight in the Vietnam War and writes Cal almost everyday but Cal never responds, so Toby respond for him and signs it, from Cal. Toby and Cal meet the fattest boy in the world, Zachary Beaver who has no parents just a legal Guardian named Paulie Rankin who abandons him. So, Zachary Beaver is left alone in a small little trailer with no parent or guardian. Toby, Cal, and Zachary get to know each other and become good friends. Cal finds out that Wayne has died in war and that Toby has been writing to Wayne but signing it from Cal. Toby and Cal have a big fight until Cal brings Toby the news that his mother has died. Both Toby and Cal went through a tough situation and they really needed each other to get through it. You will have to read the book to find out if Toby and Cal become friends again and if something good happens to Zachary or if he is just abanded for life.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I felt like I could connect and relate to all of the characters. In the middle of the book got a little slow because it was just little events that they were doing in the summer but other wise the beginning and especially the end was very interesting. My favorite part of the book was when Toby dances with his crush Scarlett at a dance, I just think it is so cute that they became a couple after all Toby has gone through. This book would be great for someone who has gone through a rough time in their life because I think that they could really relate to the characters and how they feel during the book. I think that people can be friends with all different kinds of people and not classified with people can only hang out with certain people. Even that fattest boy in the world made friends over just one summer so I believe that everyone has a best friend out their somewhere and to not give up on trying. The overall moral of the story is that everyone should be excepted and have friends no matter what.

[J.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book for a fun light read and it worked really well for that purpose. It was really predictable, and quite scattered. I was looking for a "coming-of-age" story and it wasnt fully that. It did contain a few story lines that really frustrated me, though. Most notably that of (spoilers) Toby's mom abandoning the family to chase her dreams of singing and that being shrugged off as just "being how she was" and so it was fine and all good.
All in all it was what I expected it to be when I picked it up so I'm not disappointed.

[Graham Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Read as a kid, review from 2024)

Probably closer to 3.5. I unintentionally experienced this twice, once it was read to me and the other time I read it. For what it is and the topics it explored (i.e., the Vietnam War's impact, coming of age, dealing with your first crush, etc) it did the job well enough. Have no idea if its central premise/character would be accepted in the 2020s due to the topics of body shaming, etc. But it did a good job portraying the character as a complex person beyond his body and diet.

[Lionheart · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had the potential to be a really great book. It did. 13 year old boy's mom goes away to chase dream, he is left with his father and best friend for company. To stir things up, the Fattest Boy in the World moves to his town. Who wouldn't want to read that? But the author... I don't know what happened. I hardly enjoyed it. I liked the beginning, and I liked the end. But everything in the middle kind of ruined it for me. Over all, a mix of 'Eh' with some 'OK'.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written, etc., but not all that engaging imo. I did like details, like the sacks of ladybugs, and Mrs. McKnight's roses, and all the brand-names and celebrity names that gave it such a specific sense of time, and the sensual details that made me feel like I was there in dusty rural Texas, during this very eventful summer.

Objectively, it's probably a four star book, but this is my second attempt to appreciate it, and though I finished, I just didn't like it much.

[Tamara York · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written story with depth set in 1970’s Texas with the backdrop of the Vietnam War. Coming of age story. It would have been a 5 star read without the baptism storyline. That wasn’t my cup of tea. Otherwise, I would have passed this one on to my kids. This is my second book by the author and I am impressed by her writing. I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Robyn]

WHEN ZACHARY BEAVER CAME TO TOWN
Kimberly Willis Holt

I don't remember where I saw a review of this book, but I know it was here on Goodreads. But it was everything the reviewer stated and I found it to be a breath of fresh air on a slow hot Texas day. It returned me to a time that was part of my early teens, when my neighbor's son returned from Vietnam, luckily in one piece.

I sure enjoyed the book, all about friendship on many levels and understanding that your parents are more than just someone whose life revolves around you.

4 stars

Happy Reading!

[Jennifer Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second time through this book. I read it when it first came out (almost 20 years ago. YEARS). but honestly I didn’t remember that much about it. I listened to the audiobook this time, which I enjoyed. So much story in between the words.

[Kristin Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willis Holt is a masterful storyteller; I felt like I was reading Kate DiCamillo. There weren't surprises in the plot but I was caught off guard anyway by the emotions. The audiobook is excellent! Also, what is the deal lately with me picking up books where a parent leaves their family?

[Ileana Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. personally i think the theme is dont judge a book by its cover. The main character at first judges the Zachary Beaver guy, but at then end they become friends.Its kinda like a Coming of Age story. Loved every second of it.

[Ella Campion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zachary Beaver is just that one book on your shelf that everyone passes by. It’s that silence and calm of the book that really gets me. It was a nice breath of fresh air after reading some pretty intense books. It’s only four stars because it’s what I needed at the time.

[Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute and nostalgic!

[Bonnie Arriola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love 💕

[Sofie Langenhuizen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not enjoy. Was recommended to me by a teacher, but I have absolutely no clue why. Don't waste your time with this book.