Chapter 1 Summary

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town is a coming of age tale centering on thirteen-year-old Toby Wilson and his best friend, Cal. When a sideshow act comes to town featuring the reported fattest boy in the world, Zachary Beaver, it is the beginning of major changes for the unsuspecting boys. The next few weeks will test Toby and Cal's friendship in ways neither ever imagined. However, helping Zachary will bring them back together, stronger than ever. Kimberly Willis Holt, an award-winning author, has once again brought memorable characters and a heartwarming story to life for young adult readers everywhere.

Toby Wilson thinks nothing happens in Antler Texas until the day an old blue Thunderbird pulls into the Dairy Maid parking lot pulling a trailer. The sign on the trailer announces that for two dollars visitors can see the fattest boy in the world...