Fat Boy Swim
on Goodreads (465)
What’s inside...
Fourteen-year-old Jimmy Kelly, also known as Fat Boy Fat, is the largest kid in his Scottish community and often feels useless. Despite his struggles, his family knows he is talented in the kitchen, a secret Jimmy is determined to keep. However, when GI Joe, the toughest coach at school, discovers Jimmy's culinary skills, Jimmy fears the worst. Surprisingly, Coach offers him a deal: if Jimmy helps him, Coach will teach Jimmy how to swim. As they work together, Coach sees potential in Jimmy and encourages him to embrace his talents and stop hiding.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-15
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Jimmy felt when he faced challenges and how would you feel in a similar situation?
What did you learn about the importance of perseverance and self-belief from Jimmy’s journey?
How do the other characters influence Jimmy's view of himself and his actions in the story?
What role does friendship play in this book and why do you think it is important?
How can we apply the lessons learned from Jimmy’s experiences to our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own impressions of the book and ask your child what they thought about the story.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, focusing on understanding their perspective.
Discuss the transformations of characters in the book and relate them to personal growth and development.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of overcoming obstacles and believing in oneself.
Highlight the significance of support from others, as seen in the book, and ask your child about who supports them in their life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to self-discovery
Explanation: The protagonist, Jimmy, faces obesity and bullying but finds resilience by joining the school swim team. His journey through training and overcoming physical challenges shows that perseverance can lead to personal growth and discovery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence when facing personal challenges, whether in sports, academics, or social situations, ultimately leading to personal achievements and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and understanding combat bullying
Explanation: As Jimmy struggles with being bullied, he learns to understand and accept himself, which empowers him to stand up to his bullies. This transformation highlights the importance of self-acceptance in coping with and confronting bullying.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace their unique qualities and to understand others, fostering an environment where bullying is challenged and diversity is celebrated.
Example Lesson: Positive relationships contribute to personal growth
Explanation: Throughout the book, supportive relationships with adults and peers play a crucial role in Jimmy’s development, teaching him important life skills and boosting his self-esteem.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cultivating supportive friendships and seeking mentorship, which can provide guidance, increase confidence, and encourage personal development.
Example Lesson: Overcoming stereotypes through personal achievements
Explanation: Jimmy’s success in swimming challenges the stereotypes about his physical appearance and abilities, proving that personal talents can defy societal expectations.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to pursue their interests and talents regardless of societal labels, promoting self-worth and challenging stereotypes.