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The Fat Boy Chronicles

Press Release

It's rare a book comes along that speaks to teens in their own words," says Disney screenwriter Michael Lucker about The Fat Boy Chronicles. Inspired by a true story and told through the journal entries of ninth grader Jimmy Winterpock, the novel reveals to students, teachers, and parents a young man who daily confronts life as an awkward and lonely teenager.

Jimmy's journey begins on his first day in a new school. Because of his excessive weight, he becomes a target for the hurtful taunts of his classmates. For Jimmy, the journal project assigned by his English teacher becomes an outlet for his concerns, joys, and cries for acceptance.

When he visits his doctor and is told that he must confront his obesity or face a lifetime of physical and emotional problems, Jimmy begins his transformation. His efforts to improve his life sharply contrast with the lives around him, namely his friend Paul, who must deal with an abusive father, and Jimmy's tormentor Nate, who struggles with self-esteem by lashing out at classmates. The Fat Boy Chronicles is not only Jimmy's story but also the story of those who befriend him, those who betray him, and those who learn to respect him.

Obesity is the White Elephant pervading our nation. Health and medical communities have called for community involvement and have invested time and research to control this epidemic. Endorsed by renowned teen obesity expert Dr. Thomas Inge of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Dr. Mark Wulkan of Emory University Hospital, the novel raises awareness of the emotional and physical problems created by this disease.

Authors Diane Lang and Michael Buchanan have used their experience as high school teachers to write The Fat Boy Chronicles. Their ability to communicate to students is evident in being named Teachers of the Year, nominated for Disney Teacher Awards, and by being featured in USA Today for creativity in the classroom.

Says award-winning writer Melinda Long: "Lang Buchanan has truly captured what it is like to be an overweight teenager fighting for self-image and a place in the brutal high school world. I like the fact that Jimmy manages to tell his story with some humor and still experiences some of the really good things about being a teenager.