CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2004)
At 296 pounds, Troy Billings is undeniably a fat kid, and an unhappy one. As this story begins, Troy is contemplating suicide as he stands at the edge of a subway platform, wondering if he should jump. This action, like everything he does whether insignificant or momentous, is shaded by Troy's belief that he is defined by his weight and consequently viewed as a joke. An exception to this rule is demonstrated by punk-rocker extraordinaire Curt MacCrae, a modern legend at Troy's high school for his skill on the guitar and his defiance of rules and expectations. Curt distracts Troy from his suicidal subway moment and offers him the position of drummer for a new band. Troy hasn't played the drums since a feeble attempt in junior high, but he grasps Curt's invitation like a lifeline. The unlikely friendship which develops between the two is as complex as it is true. Along with his musical talent, Curt has monumental problems of his own, ranging from his dysfunctional family, to his current homeless state, to serious drug use. Troy discovers that he is much more than a self-defined "fat kid," and he is able to reciprocate Curt's friendship in a significant and thoughtful way with far-reaching implications. Often uproariously funny, this novel for older teenagers is also gritty with strong language and situations. The author provides windows into both Troy and Curt's worlds, while commendably resisting the temptation to solve Troy's problems with a convenient weight loss. CCBC categories: Fiction for Young Adults; The Arts; Understanding Oneself and Others. 2003, Putnam, 187 pages, $17.99. Ages 15-18.

Lee Gordon (Library Media Connection, February 2004)
Troy is a six foot, one inch, 296-pound high school junior, who is frequently the object of derision by his classmates, and who sees himself as a disappointment in his ex-Marine father's eyes. As Troy stands at a subway station contemplating suicide, he meets Curt-homeless, emaciated, and hyper. Curt is a local legend in the punk rock world for playing guitar and tries to convince Troy that he can be a punk drummer. Troy agrees to try. The world that Curt shows him is totally foreign to him. He is afraid for his father to meet Curt for fear he will reject Curt and thereby prevent Troy from interacting with him. His father surprises him by trying to help Curt (though with some suspicion of Curt's motives) and allowing Troy to continue practicing to play a gig with Curt. As the date for the gig approaches, Troy has a panic attack, vomits on the stage, and runs. This first novel by Going speaks to two worlds-the punk rockers and the "fat kids." Troy's thoughts and reactions are very believable. All of the characters make positive changes by accepting and trusting themselves and each other. The picture of the punk world is probably tamed down, but bizarre enough to be believed, especially with all of the profanity peppered in appropriate, but frequent situations. Recommended. 2003, Penguin Putnam, 187pp., $17.99 hc. Ages 15 to 18.

Elizabeth Bush (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, June 2003 (Vol. 56, No. 10))
At six foot one and nearly three hundred pounds, Troy Billings has but one dream--to make an inconspicuous exit from the world. Filthy, emaciated, usually homeless Curt MacCrea finds him contemplating the subway tracks, claims to have saved his life, and demands a free meal. Curt has something to offer, too: a new dream for Troy, in which he’s the drummer in Curt’s proposed punk band, Rage/Tectonic. Troy knows he’s being cajoled, wheedled, and manipulated by Curt at every turn, but an immediate rise in his social status convinces him to stay aboard this train; Curt is indeed a gifted guitarist and a school legend, and any friend of Curt is a force to be reckoned with. Troy has no drumming experience, but he’s swept into the current of Curt’s determination, and by gad, he actually learns to drum, or at least to provide the powerhouse banging that can drive the real star’s screaming riffs and raging lyricism. Troy’s contemptuous younger brother begins to offer some respect, and Mr. Billings, an ex-Marine who believes anything can be achieved through will and discipline, surprises Troy by encouraging his efforts and treating Curt with unexpected kindness. Going draws her characters with compassionate acuity; Troy’s bumbling advance toward drumming competence and self-respect is funny and heart-wrenching, while Curt’s semi-stoned rush at stardom exposes both his brokenness and his promise. Likewise, Going cuts through the theatrical pretenses of punk rock to capture the angst and artistry. The language is raw, but the relationships are tender, and readers who followed the sadder fortunes of Koertge’s Stoner and Spaz (BCCB 3/02) will grasp thankfully at the possibility of double salvation. (Reviewed from galleys) Review Code: R* -- Denotes books of special distinction. (c) Copyright 2003, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2003, Putnam, 192p, $17.99. Grades 9-12.

Monica Irwin (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 16, No. 3))
Troy Billings is contemplating throwing himself in front of a train. Then someone stops him. Troy is surprised to find out that the boy who "saved" his life is a famous (at least at the high school) dropout. Curt MacCrae is homeless and lives wherever he can. At the moment, it is the subway station. Troy is thrilled to meet Curt but also notices how thin he is. This is disturbing to Troy because he is huge--over six feet tall and weighs almost 300 pounds. They become friends and talk about starting a band. Troy has played the drums but not since junior high. Curt is known for his guitar-playing abilities. Troy brings Curt to his home, and Troy's father and brother both come to care for Curt. Curt introduces Troy to the world of garage bands, drugs, and dysfunctional families. However, through all of this, Troy finds a friend and his own worth as a person. A novel of redemption, friendship, and trust, FAT KID RULES THE WORLD will find an audience among many high school students. There are numerous bad words throughout the story, so librarians must be aware. Fiction, Highly Recommended. Grades High school. 2003, Putnam, 187p., $17.99. Ages 14 to 18.

Lynn Evarts (VOYA, June 2003 (Vol. 26, No. 2))
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, $17.99. Ages 15 to 18.