Losing It

by Erin Fry

Bennett Robinson loves baseball, especially watching Dodgers’ games with his dad while munching on burgers and fries—the perfect “game food.” Baseball even helped Bennett and his dad get over his mom’s death from cancer. But there’s no way Bennett could ever play baseball. Bennett is fat, the kind of fat that gives you belly button sweat stains and makes it tough to get off a saggy couch.

But on one perfect, baseball-watching day, everything changes. Bennett’s dad is taken away on a stretcher, and Bennett doesn’t know if he will live or die.

Now Bennett has to move in with know-it-all Aunt Laura, his mom’s sister, who hates Bennett’s dad. And Aunt Laura is making it her personal mission to Get Bennett Healthy. Bennett knows that Aunt Laura will take over his entire life if he lets her.

It’s time for Bennett to step up to the plate. Because maybe there are some things a fat boy can do.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Sports, Young Adult, Fiction, Friendship, Family

261 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Erin Fry's first middle grade novel, LOSING IT, was published in 2012 by Amazon Children's Publishing and has been well-received by librarians and teachers, in addition to being dubbed "an energizing and ultimately uplifting tale of the power to change" by Kirkus. Her second novel, SECRETS OF THE BOOK, hits shelves in 2014 while her first YA serial, THE BENEFACTOR, is set to release in September, 2013.

For over a decade, Fry has taught 6th grade language arts and history at a middle school in southern California. She also coaches cross country each fall, which gets her in shape to run an occasional half marathon or marathon. Since 2003, she has reviewed children's books for Publishers Weekly. This past year, she and a fellow curriculum developer co-founded Common Core Curriculum Specialists, through which they create CCSS-aligned Teachers’ Guides for authors and publishers. She lives in southern California with (and frequently runs alongside) her husband, three children, and their golden Retriever.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, I admit it! I cried at the end. This YA select was the one school one book summer read for my two sons middle school. Entering the 6th and 8th grade, they were both required to read it. And therefore me too. Funny (not so) that I would end up with three boys who are just not at all excited about reading, when I am so voracious. But I have been picking books and reading with them for years. Hopefully, I can increase their reading comprehension, which is important, which leads to deeper enjoyment, which is essential. I have been speaking all summer about deepening comprehension, by paying attention to character motivations. I have been going over chapters with the kids asking questions like, "What is the character feeling? What is the dynamic between these two? What do you think the motivation is here. Why did s/he get mad? What do you think should happen - why?" I just want them to understand the book beyond the basic plot elements. And if they got involved in the feelings, maybe they would be involved in the story. This was my plan. Its worked with the Harry Potter Series. When we read it together, and they understand the story, we get excited together and they love it! And I try to choose books well. But this one wasn't my choice.
Luckily for us all, the Middle Reader and YA sphere, often has some really wonderful themes to talk about, and really hits on themes kids can relate to. In fact, whether my kids appreciate it or not, this one had some elements that were a home run. And some wonderful inspiring values.

The book's premise, is about an 8th grader just before school begins, who is being raised by a single dad. The mother had passed away when he was young. Bennet and his Dad share baseball as a love, but both are overweight, eat poorly, and don't do a whole lot easily. Father has a stroke in the opening chapter, and Bennet is forced to grow up quickly and face some hard truths. He goes to live with the maternal Aunt and her family, who is estranged since the mother's death, and of course, they are health nuts. As Bennet sees his father fighting for him, for his increased mobility and skills, Bennet too, finds himself learning about who he is, his own voice, and his own ability to make changes. He joins the Cross Country Team, and surprises himself, by learning who he is and what he can do. There are lots of feelings and relationships going on here, including tension and disappointment with his best friend, a crush on a girl who "could never be interested in a fat boy," and a slew of relationships to deal with, from his cousins, to his father. Honestly, the book was inspiring, and by the end, you might have shed a tear or two as well.

My 8th grader, who is a disastrously poor reader, happens to be a Cross Country Star, and the season is just starting. He is the second fastest kid in our school, and the fifth across our city of 4 middle schools. He knows what it means to encourage every single kid to cross the line. One of his close friends is often last to come in. His brother, my second son, who is also joining, is always fifteen minutes later, And me, his mother? Who has done the Turkey Trot (annual 5k) twice, just to be supportive of my kids, well, I come in a half hour after he does, and 15 minutes after the second one, always the very last runner to arrive. Who runs alongside the walkers, passed by the families with two year olds, dogs, and strollers. But the point I try to make? Is that the victory is in showing up. That I support their interest. Its healthy, and its fun, and who cares if I'm last. I do it, and the victory is in that - in just showing up. This past Thanksgiving I even added 2.5 minutes to my time (which isn't good.) But I hope that it teaches my kids a lesson. Its just in getting there and doing your best, and having fun together.

But that comparison is not the only one my kids can relate to. For my sixth grader, he has struggle some with weight, and he has felt Bennet's pain, and the feeling of "can I do it?" Both can relate to the theme of bullying that occurs, and I know my older son, will be able to see the immediate comparison to what just happened this week. They both can relate to tensions with friends, and my 8th grader is having his very first sort of girlfriend. He told me when we went over the chapters, about how his good friend said to him, "The Man has to work the relationship" and could hear where the main character had failed in his attempts to woo the girl. The kids tried (with my help) to figure out what a stroke was, and how hard it is to recover. And about realities like insurances and inability to manage the expense of recovery. But this book also stands for the fight in you, to make a change. To do things you never thought possible. To see what you can become. To succeed. I am so excited to share the ending with them. I just finished this morning, and they are one day behind the finish line. And what a finish it was.

I had the wondering, since the entire school is reading the book, how that would affect kids wanting to try cross country. I hear, that over 100 kids have signed up. I heard our neighbor wasn't interested until he read the book this summer, and is now all in. One of my kids friends spoke of really loving the book. There is a new pride, I think, emerging with cross country this year. And I have to tell you, I love these meets. But I can't wait to cheer every single kid on this particular year. Because all of us, kids and parents, and entire school, lived through this with Bennett, and now we get to live through it together. I love it when a book inspires you to "do" something. And for my kids, I hope it inspires them to "feel" something. To relate, to act in accordance with how they feel, and to be inspired for the things they might struggle with. Or to understand bullying differently, health differently, friendships, relationships, what have you. I want them to see that reading can make something move and shift. Guys, this is my goal this year, to teach my three kids to become readers of some kind. To take these adorable heartfelt athletes, and broaden them. Give them more worlds to open and explore. I will keep you posted. And… Required 8th grade reading? To Kill a Mockingbird. So I will be re-reading that, and then will go straight to Go Set a Watchman. Everyone enjoy the day, I hope you enjoyed my review and personal share.

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learning to be better

This is usually not something I read. But I thought it was great. Bennett has everything against him. His Dad had a stroke. He's over weight and he is living with his Aunt and uncle. A family of exercise and healthy eating. So Bennett joins the track team. Befriends a bully and gets to know a cute girl.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone -- This was a splendid read. Thirteen year-old Bennett's life is a mess at the beginning of the book. His mother died when he was five years old, and since that time he and his father have been filled with grief and have tried to fill that gaping hole with junk food. Now, both of them are extremely overweight. Bennett's father has a stroke, which leaves him in a coma. Hence, the title of the story, "Losing It". Bennett is losing his mind, but also needs to lose weight and get his life on track. Excellent yarn that has strong theme of self-change, bullying, and finding yourself. I highly recommend this book.

[Wisterious Woman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets a five star rating because it made me cry in the first two chapters. That is high praise for a book that is a good read for the tween/teen set. The author really nails it when she describes how life-changing a stroke can be on the whole family. My dad had his first stroke when I was about ten and eventually died when he was only 46. It is something I never talk about as an adult so I was surprised that reading about another kid's experience could affect me so deeply.

The author doesn't blame Bennett's Dad for his health problems but makes it clear that in his dad's case a lifestyle of poor eating habits and lack of exercise might have been a contributing factor. Of course, skinny athletic people die of strokes too. The book is compassionate in showing that Bennett and his Dad had a poor diet partly due to the fact that Bennett's mother died and they had to cope with living without her. You never feel that the author believes fat people are bad. I liked Bennett and felt he was someone I'd want as a friend.

The book has a great cast of characters and an underlying humor that made it an enjoyable read. Sure, there are individuals that bully Bennett and call him names but everyone else cheers him on. As a reader, I was cheering him on the whole way. My only complaint is that Taylor, the girl that befriends him is 'cute'. Like that is the most important character trait. Guys can be really shallow. Thank goodness she is a kind person as well.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this!

[Tracy Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! So may challenges for one kid, but it was written in a way that makes it real.

[Beth G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something about a belly button sweat stain that's just really gross.

Since Bennett's mom died when he was five, it's just been him and his dad. And the best times with his dad have been hot summer afternoons parked in front of the tv, watching their beloved Dodgers and munching on burgers and fries, their "game food". As much as Bennett loves baseball, though, he knows he could never really play, because he is too fat. His dad is fat, too, and when Bennett comes in last during P.E. class runs, his best friend P.G. is right there beside him, so Bennett is mostly okay with his lack of physical fitness.

That changes one beautiful summer day when his dad collapses in front of the television. Bennett doesn't know when - or if - his dad will recover. In the meantime, he has to move in with his bossy Aunt Laura and her family. And Aunt Laura has a mission: get Bennett healthy.

I didn't hear much about this book (which shares a title with another 2012 book about losing an entirely different "it") when it came out, but I was intrigued by the description. It is set in my adopted city of Los Angeles, and I wondered how Fry would tackle the issue of childhood obesity, which was clearly central to Bennett's story.

As it turns out, she handles it very, very nicely. Bennett is a thoroughly believable and sympathetic eighth-grade boy. He knows he is out of shape, and he knows his dad is unhealthy, but he's a kid, you know? It's not his job to worry about that stuff. His dad has to work a lot to make ends meet, and watching baseball games while eating tasty food is their thing. It's how they bond. His dad wants him to be happy. And Bennett is happy, mostly. His weight is just part of who he is.

Another part of who he is has to do with losing his mother. The realistic and sensitive portrayal of Bennett's grief was a lovely surprise. It's a common thing is children's books for one (or both) parents to be out of the picture, whether dead, missing, or just neglectful. It lets the child protagonist get on with being the lead of the story. But all too often, the loss of parent(s) seems to have no lasting effect on the character. For Bennett, it's formative. The loss of his mother has left a gaping hole in his heart and home. It shapes his view of the world.

Bennett's physical transformation is believably gradual, and Fry shows the effort it takes in a realistic way. He changes not only physically, but mentally, becoming stronger and more capable of handling the challenges coming his way. Despite the serious topics addressed, the narrative resists becoming didactic. It is contemporary realistic fiction for middle graders that will appeal to both boys and girls on several levels.

Recommend to: Fans of realistic fiction and tales of the underdog

Source: Checked out from my public library

[Bookphile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little wary when I read this book's description. While I loved the idea of an author tackling subject matter that can be very touchy and that is especially relevant today, I was afraid it would be simplistic. I'm happy to say that fear was unfounded, and that this book was really an excellent read. Some minor spoilers.

First off, I was impressed with the way Fry handled the topic of Bennett's weight. At no point does she gloss over the truth of his situation, and there are some painful moments in the book with which anyone who's struggled with their weight can identify. I liked that Fry showed how difficult it was for Bennett to try to change his eating habits, how much determination and willpower it took for him to begin to overcome his bad habits. He doesn't wake up and magically change his eating habits without any issues, and he has the occasional relapse.

Hand-in-hand with this, Fry's descriptions of Bennett forays into running struck me as very authentic. She makes it clear that running is difficult and sometimes even painful for Bennett. The central struggle of the book, Bennett's determination to do something that seems impossible is so well drawn here. I'm not a runner myself, but it was like I could feel what Bennett was feeling as he struggled. As with Bennett's changing his eating habits, I liked what this book had to say about sticking with something to prove to yourself that you can do it, even in those moments when you feel like you just have nothing left. This is such a great message for young readers, and particularly those who might be struggling with problems similar to Bennett's.

As if this subject matter wasn't substantial enough, Fry also tackles some really complicated interpersonal issues. There's the convincing, piercing portrayal of Bennett's developing crush on a girl he thinks is out of his league, his struggles with losing one parent only to have another suffer a catastrophic illness, the tension that threatens to break his friendship when his best friend P.G. begins to fear that Bennett is leaving him behind. All of this is handled in a really sensitive manner, and Bennett's struggles felt so real. Fry's depictions of how complicated it is to handle this issues are so convincing.

I hadn't really even thought about this book until my nine-year-old daughter spotted it and said she'd like to read it. I'm really glad she did so. This is just the kind of book I like for her to read, one that has a great message without being preachy. You don't have to have struggled with weight to like or identify with this main character, you just have to have struggled with how difficult it is to be human at times.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bennett is only 5 years old when his mother dies of cancer, leaving him alone with his father. For the next 7 years, Bennett and his father live like total bachelors, eating fast food, since neither one of them cooks. Their eating habits have caused both Bennett and his father to tip the scales at over 200 pounds, thus resulting in Bennett's nickname to become Fat Boy at school.
When Bennett's father suffers a catastrophic medical emergency, Bennett is forced to live with his Aunt Laura, his mother's sister, whom he hasn't spoken to since his mother's death, when Aunt Laura blamed Bennett's father for her death, and who is now making decisions for Bennett without asking him first if those are decisions Bennett can accept.
Aunt Laura is into healthy foods, and his Uncle Jim is an athletic trainer, determined to drag Bennett out on his early morning jogs with him. Bennett longs for his Twinkies, and candy bars and fast food meals, not the turkey with alfalfa on whole wheat bread that Aunt Laura packs for him for lunch, or the buckwheat pancakes she makes for breakfast. The only thing that remains the same for Bennett is his relationship with his best friend P.G.
Bennett has started getting used to the early wake up calls for morning excercise with Uncle Jim, and he even starts thinking about joining the Cross Country running team at his school. When Bennett finds out that his dad is sicker than first thought, and that his weight, at over 400 pounds was a contributing factor, Bennett is positive he needs to make a change in his lifestyle and goes out for Cross Country. That move loses him his best friend, and gains him an enemy in the form of the school bully who torments Bennett with his constant "Fat Boy can't do anything." Bennett needs cross country to prove to himself that he is worth more than just being Fat Boy, and being a part of the team starts giving him the confidence that he can succeed in doing things strenuous if he just tries his best, and to never quit trying.
Erin Fry did a great job in developing her characters and Bennett is someone you root for from the beginning. You know that he can be motivated to lose weight and make healthier choices for himself so he doesn't wind up like his 400 pound father.
I think this book is a great example of putting your mind to something and following through to see results, something that every child can relate to. This book would be great for lower middle school to upper high school students, and possibly even some more mature older elementary students.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really liked this book. Not only are there some great characters, but it just feels very genuine; real people with real problems. Bennett faces some of the normal challenges for an 8th grader, but he also faces bigger challenges. Not only does he have to deal with a nasty bully, but his father just had a stroke and his Aunt Laura is determined to get him healthy, whether he wants to or not. Like most middle graders, it irritates him to be told what to do. But Bennett doesn't want to end up like his dad either, so he decides to join the cross country team, despite the disbelief of his best friend, P.G. and his own doubts that he can do it. He's way overweight and running is very difficult for him, but as he faces his doubts and fears he learns that sometimes it doesn't matter if you finish last, as long as you finish.

Bennett is such a likable main character, pretty easy going, pretty comfortable in his own shoes at least until his father ends up in the hospital. I appreciated having a main character who isn't gorgeous, fit and popular, but more like the rest of us with problems and challenges. I also liked that a cute girl liked him despite his shape and size, just because he's very likable. P.G., Bennett's best friend is also a great character who is afraid that as Bennett changes they won't be able to relate any more (P.G. is overweight too), but who comes through when Bennett most needs him. Bennett's relationship with his dad changes after the stroke and it's sweet to see its development.

The fact that Bennett's problems aren't all fixed by the end of the book provides a realistic and acceptable ending. I think above all what I liked about the book was how easy Bennett is to relate to, he felt very real and I couldn't help but root for him. Highly recommended and very readable.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
Bennett is an overweight middle school student. He's not very sporty and loves to eat snacks, until his Dad has a stroke. Since Bennett's mother passed away when he was five, Bennett has to move in with his aunt, Laura. Laura's family is much different than Bennett's life with his father. She is very strict and has specific healthy lifestyle expectations. She implements an exercise plan along with healthy eating habits. It really changes Bennett's entire world. He begins to question how his lifestyle was before living with his aunt, even though he is not very close to her. He also decides to join the cross country team at school. He's beginning anew with a reduction in weight, new friends that are very supportive, and a blossoming of character.

My thoughts:
This was a very heart touching story. Bennett is a very sweet character who you can't help but fall in love with. He grows so much throughout the book and finds that his future can be what he makes of it. There are some growing pains along his path, but he begins to deal with some of the harder bits of reality in a positive manner. Overall, the character rises above the challenges that are given him, including bullying. Frey doesn't seem to miss any aspect of the life of an overweight child, but also doesn't preach through the message of getting healthy and losing weight. I love that there are so many possibilities for the meaning of the title. The obvious would be losing weight, but there are bad feeling he loses, along with his mind to a certain extent, etc. It's so much fun. Also, this book transcends age groups. I would say that as young as 4th grade to as old as an adult would enjoy this book and find it easy to read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

From November 2012 SLJ:
Gr 5-8:�Since his mom died when he was five, Bennett and his dad have been enough for each other. Their favorite pastime is cheering on the Dodgers in front of the TV with burgers and fries close at hand. Then his father has a stroke, and Bennett goes to live with relatives. At first he resents Aunt Laura's controlling nature as she cuts fast food from his diet and encourages him not so subtly to lead a healthier lifestyle. But seeing his dad in a coma has shaken him. Uncle Jim suggests they start walking together, and soon Bennett is jogging. His interest is sparked when he sees cross-country team flyers at school, and he apprehensively attends the first meeting of the season. As he gets involved in the sport, he has moments of sheer misery when he wants to quit, but the dawning realization that he is improving enables him to stand up to being harassed and to better help his father through a slow recovery. Even when his best friend, also overweight, tries to discourage him from his new interests, Bennett perseveres. While this story tackles serious topics, it is not heavy-handed: Bennett is engaging, and readers will recognize many of the challenges that he faces. The way that he matures as he juggles visits to his convalescing father with his other commitments and learns to appreciate his extended family is believable and inspiring. Fry has a great ear for middle school dialogue, and her light, humorous touch will ensure that readers keep turning the pages until the uplifting conclusion.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

I didn't know much about this book going into it other than that it involved baseball and a young boy intent on losing weight. That sounded like it could be a cute fun contemporary middle-grade title. And for the most part it was. The beginning is actually shockingly serious when it lays out Bennett's mother's death from cancer and then jumps into his father's stroke which kicks into motion the main plot. Part of the stroke may have been due to their poor diets that led to an obese figure. When Bennett ends up living with his health-freak aunt, his diet changes dramatically and he is encouraged to pursue physical activity including taking up cross-country.

That's the core of the book: Bennett rejecting the label of "Fat Boy" and not being afraid of making a change. I've read a couple of other books featuring main characters confronting their weight (pre-blog I believe) and I was pleased to see this one deal with it so realistically as well as optimistically. Bennett really struggles at first but he does start to see results by the end and he makes huge strides in improving his movement. He relapses some and he has many times of discouragement but he keeps pushing through, making this an inspirational book for younger readers.

The problem for me was that it all seemed very familiar. Thus while I rooted for Bennett and his family, I wasn't blown away or fully absorbed in his journey. I enjoyed it while I read it but I won't be rereading it.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bennett and his Dad have, without realizing, buried their grief over the death of Bennet's mother under a mountain of unhealthy eating. It is not until his dad ends up in the hospital fighting for his life that Bennett will begin the fight for his own life. And it is not about his own obesity but about finding a way to truly carry on and be everything you can in spite of the sadness that can weigh you down. It is also about doing it in spite of others think of you, even I those others are the very family taking care of you while your dad is in hospital. I found myself pulled in immediately by Bennett's voice which the author captured perfectly and then I was kept in the story by Bennett's heart. He is one likeable kid that middle grade readers will relate too. He is funny, he is believable and cannot help but cheer him on when he starts cross country racing. Combine that with how the plot and secondary characters are developed and you have a a novel that hits the sweet spot of middle grade with a wide range of readers you can recommend it to, boys and girls included.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always hesitant to buy books about people (especially kids) losing weight. Most of the time they are glib unrealistic accounts of going from fat nobody to skinny hottie. I bought Losing It for my middle school library after reading reviews and now that I've finished it, I'm really glad I did.

This is not an easy fix. Losing weight is hard. It's more than just dieting, it's more than just exercising, there is a huge mental hurdle that must be crossed and this book covers that excellently. Bennet's dad is 400 pounds and in the hospital after a severe stroke. At 13 years old and 250 pounds himself, Bennett realizes he also has a problem. Being sent to live with his bossy aunt and fitness junky uncle, seems like torture at first. However, Bennett knows things have to change. This doesn't mean it's easy. He has bad days and good days and all kinds of painful days. But he works at it and let me tell you, that first mile he runs brought actual tears to my eyes.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope it’s not considered a spoiler to say that on page 6 Bennett’s dad has a major stroke. Bennett’s fat. Standing up from the couch to look for the remote isn’t easy for him. His dad’s 400 lbs. This is a family that needs to make some changes, and they do. After just a week of walking/ jogging around the block, Bennett decides to join the middle school cross country team. While Bennett’s not quite like the athletes in Chris Crutcher’s or Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s books, but the transformation he goes through is every bit like those characters. And to me, that’s high praise. Did I mention I was up ‘til nearly 4:00 AM reading and crying over this?

Received from Amazon Vine Program for the price of a review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bennett and his father have been going it alone since Bennett was five and his mom died of cancer. Now, Bennett is in eighth grade and is extremely overweight. He and his father make it a habit of watching every Dodgers game on television while scarfing down junk food, which adds to the belly problem and the disaster that strikes Bennett's family, leaving his dad in the hospital and him stuck with his mean Aunt Laura. If Bennett and his dad don't change their way of life, there could be deadly consequences. With this in mind, Bennett decides to join the cross-country team at school. Little does he know that his attempt to get healthy will lose him his best friend and make him the target of vicious bully. Can Bennett stick it out or will he just give up? A great read for students grades 6 and up. Bennett and his father are inspiring, and the people in their lives give the read a lot of learning opportunities too. After all, we aren't just what you see on the outside.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing It was fun and inspiring to read. My middle grader read it before me and absolutely loved it.

Why kids will love it - Bennett is a great protagonist. He's a normal boy who has the same feelings and wishes that other kids do. What Bennett has to deal with is being overweight and not ending up like his dad. He also has to deal with friendship issues, girls and living with his aunt and her family and making some changes. All of these are situations many middle-graders also work through and they can be tough. Reading how Bennett survives the changes and readjusts to a new way of living is so inspiring. A very positive book!

What I learned as a writer - Being honest and not sugar-coating situations is the way to go. Erin Fry really keeps things realistic and doesn't try to add too much to make the story sell. It feels very in touch with this age group.

[Virginia Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story of a boy, Bennett, and his father hanging in there after the death of the mother a few years back. Both are overweight, and Bennett has to deal with all the usual bullying and taunts that are almost daily occurrences at school. Due to the father's stroke, Bennett goes to live with his not-so-favorite aunt Laura and her family while his dad recuperates. Life changes drastically for Bennett. Lots of adjustments have to be made. Bennett discovers that he and his dad need to make changes in their lifestyle, and bad habits are hard to break. This seemed a more realistic portrayal of a family in crisis and the hard work required to make lasting changes for the better. Losing weight is a daily battle with successes and failures; there are no quick fixes.

[Melanie Swider Wenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will be published in September - was lucky to get an ARC at BEA :)
Bennett has many struggles in his life: mother passed away when he was five, father has a life changing stroke, and he gets teased for being overweight. Through all of these challenges he faces, his mindset transforms from a fixed to a growth mindset after his father ends up in the hospital. He sets the goal that he is going to try out for the cross country running team and once he sets that goal, he lets nothing get in his way. Bennett is an inspiring character. I look forward to sharing this book with my 5th graders!

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bennett loves baseball, but he is so overweight he could never play. When his father, also overweight, suffers a stroke, everything about Bennett's life changes. Many times this could have descended into a made-for-tv movie, but the book doesn't take the easy way out. When Bennett decides to lose weight, it is a struggle and he wants to give up. His self-doubts are portrayed realistically and even Bennett's Aunt Laura, who could have been a cartoon figure, is given depth. This would be a great addition to an inspirational New Year's reading list for those who make resolutions but find them sometimes hard to stick to.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing It by Erin Fry follows Bennett an eighth grader who is overweight. When Bennett was young his mother died of cancer. One day when Bennett is watching television his father suffers a major stroke. Because his father so disabled from the stroke Bennett moves in with his Aunt Laura who decides that he is going to make Bennett healthy.

This is a fantastic book with lots of excitement and unpredictable things that happen making it difficult to put down. Bennett's journey to becoming healthier and happier is inspirational for readers.

Appropriateness: This book is appropriate for middle grade readers 10-14

[Angee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, LOVED this book! Bennet has such a great sense of humor and such a big heart! Initially when I picked up this book, I had the idea of it being about the "fat kid" who loses weight and becomes suddenly popular, wins the girl, blah blah blah. Boy, was I wrong. Yeah, he is a "fat kid", but he is so much more than that. The author really gave his personality layers and depth. And he wasn't so syrupy sweet that you need to brush your teeth after every chapter...he had attitude at times. I really enjoyed reading this book. Would definitely recommend for a middle school boy.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always on the look out for books for my avid readers to pick up and this is one of them! It is very well-written and written from a teenager's point of view. It is honest. It is funny. It is sensitive and I absolutely loved it. It is about a teenage boy who watched his dad get sick and having to live with his aunt, he realized that he needed to change his life.

It sounds very simple but it is a powerful message sent to kids that getting healthy is hard. I think this book is worth the read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good realistic story of an overweight teen struggling to get in shape after he father has a stroke due to his heaviness. Interesting friendships and family relationships, a sports element (running), and struggle many kids face today.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very good, another feel good story, but highly recommended. I will recommend this one to my students. It made me cry and feel good! It is a short read, I read it in two hours, making this a good book for students!

[Joanne Palin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book about an obese 13-yr-old boy and his struggle to get healthy was very good. It was a fresh and unique addition to the collection of recent books that deal with teens who struggle with physical and/or emotional issues.

[Paula Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that gives insight to the middle school mind of Bennett, an overweight boy whose dad has a stroke. I cheered for him and often cried right along with him as he found his way.

[LibraryDanielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very good read. definitely one for both boys and girls.

[izz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book. I read it for school, thought it was going to be lame (like most assigned books) but it wasn't!