Plot Summary

When Zachary Beaver Came To Town

Kimberly Willis Holt
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When Zachary Beaver Came To Town

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999

Book Brief

Kimberly Willis Holt

When Zachary Beaver Came To Town

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Texas • 1970s

Theme
Publication Year

1999

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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Super Short Summary

In When Zachary Beaver Came To Town by Kimberly Willis Holt, 13-year-old Toby Wilson and his best friend Cal, living in the small Texas town of Antler, find their monotonous summer disrupted by the arrival of Zachary Beaver, the world’s fattest boy. As they attempt to befriend Zachary, they confront personal challenges, including Toby’s mother leaving, Cal’s brother in Vietnam, and unrequited love, learning about friendship and resilience along the way.

Nostalgic

Emotional

Heartwarming

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

6,559 ratings

59%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt is widely appreciated for its poignant depiction of friendship, acceptance, and personal growth. Readers praise its compelling narrative and well-crafted characters, although some find the pacing slow at times. Overall, it's a heartwarming, engaging read that resonates with both young and adult audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read When Zachary Beaver Came To Town?

A reader who would enjoy When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt would likely appreciate character-driven stories about friendship, growth, and overcoming adversity. Fans of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo and Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson would find this book appealing.

4.1

6,559 ratings

59%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Texas • 1970s

Theme
Publication Year

1999

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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