Zachary Beaver, "the world's fattest boy" has come to town as a sideshow that everyone in town is willing to pay to see. Thirteen-year-old Toby Wilson lives in this town and is having a tough time himself. His mother has gone off to Nashville, Tennessee to become a star, and she doesn't seem to be coming back. Toby gets to know Zachary and, through their friendship, the life stories of many of the townspeople will be affected. Very memorable story!