When Zachary Beaver Came To Town by Kimberly Willis Holt

Set in a small Texas town during the summer of 1971, the story follows the life of Toby Wilson, a young boy grappling with the complexities of friendship, family, and growing up. When a sideshow attraction, Zachary Beaver, the "fattest boy in the world," arrives in town, Toby and his best friend Cal become unexpectedly intertwined with Zachary's life. As they navigate the challenges of adolescence, they learn valuable lessons about acceptance, empathy, and the true meaning of friendship, all while dealing with personal struggles and the impact of the Vietnam War on their community.

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