Fat Boy Swim

Author(s) Catherine Forde
Illustrator(s)
Age Group 10-12
Publisher Random House Children's Books
ISBN 978-0385902373
Year 2004

Jimmy Kelly, an obese middle school student, is savagely bullied by his peers. He keeps his one talent, cooking, secret for fear that community members who enjoy the desserts he donates for charities would be repulsed to learn the identity of the chef. The football coach, known as "GI Joe" for his aggressive manner, teaches Jimmy to swim, and Jimmy comes quickly into his own, shedding pounds, getting fit, becoming a champion swimmer and developing the confidence to stand up to the bullies and to go after the girl he likes.