About this ebook
A New York Times Outstanding Book and ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
For Bobby Marks, summer does not equal fun. While most people are happy to take off their heavy jackets and long pants, Bobby can't even button his jeans or reach over his belly to touch his toes. Spending the summer at Rumson Lake is sheer torture.
This particular summer promises to be worse than usual. His parents can't stop fighting. His best friend, Joanie, goes home to New York City and won't tell him why. Dr. Kahn, a rich, stingy estate owner who hires him to manage an enormous lawn, is working him to death. And to top it off, a local bully won't stop torturing him.
Bobby is about to find out just how terrifying and exhilarating one fat summer can be.
- A Classic Coming of Age Story: Fourteen-year-old Bobby Marks just wants to hide. But this summer, a demanding new job and a relentless bully will force him to face his biggest fears.
- Overcoming Bullying: When a local tough named Willie Rumson makes his life a nightmare, Bobby must find a strength he never knew he had.
- A Humorous and Heartfelt Voice: Filled with witty observations and relatable struggles, this award-winning novel captures the agony and ecstasy of being a teenager.
- Nostalgic 1950s Setting: Journey back to a time of lakeside carnivals, hard-earned lessons, and the universal challenge of finding your place in the world.
Discover more
About the author
Robert Lipsyte is the author of twelve acclaimed novels for young adults and is the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award honoring his lifetime contribution to the genre. His debut YA novel, The Contender, has sold more than one million copies. He was an award-winning sportswriter for the New York Times and the Emmy-winning host of the nightly public affairs show The Eleventh Hour. He lives on Shelter Island, New York, with his wife, Lois, and his dog, Apollo.
