staying fat for sarah byrnes cliff notes

Reading for high school freshmen in the curriculum despite a parent'sĬomplaint that the book was 'pornography' and its Why it was challenged: In 2011 the Belleville (WI) School Board decided to keep a book that's required I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy gritty realistic fiction with a hopeful ending. Though I appreciated Crutcher allowing teens to talk about important subject matter, I did feel that it slowed down an otherwise tightly paced novel. While the discussions are interesting, they do came across a bit heavy handed especially with very conservative characters. Like many of Crutcher books, there are lots of other serious topics addressed from religion to abortion in Eric's philosophy elective. Her abrasive nature is a defense mechanism she uses to prevent anyone to see her weakness. Sarah was a tough character to connect to at first. We applaud him for taking on a huge task of helping his friend and standing up for what he believed in. Self deprecating and humorous, Eric's voice is memorable. Crutcher emphasizes throughout his story that none of the characters are what they appear to be on the surface. He risks their friendship by breaking his vow of secrecyĪnd enlisting others' aid-help that comes from such unlikely quartersĪs a former bully, Eric's swim coach and, most surprisingly, his Eric isĬompelled to take action to help her, but quickly finds that he is in Unlike Eric who uses physical exercise who fight his bullies, Sarah uses her sharp tongue and whit.įor Sarah to remain silent and committed to a mental ward, is alarming to Eric. Thanks to competitive swimming, Eric remains fiercely devoted to Sarah by standing up for her. Hands were hideously disfigured in a childhood accident. Review: Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes is a heart-wrenching story of loyalty, friendship, and courage.Ī social outcast in junior high due to his excessive weight, narratorĮric Calhoune found a kindred spirit in Sarah Byrnes, whose face and Eric must uncover the terrible secret she's hiding, before its Smartest, toughest person Eric has ever known - sits silent in a Later, although swimming slimmedĮric, she stayed his closest friend. Today I'll be reviewing Chris Crutcher'sĬontroversial, hard hitting YA novel, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, which was published in 1993. Review of the book, I will also include information as to where and why Literary audience: children, YA, and adult. My goal for this soon-to be- regular monthlyįeature is to highlight challenged and/or banned books from each

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Staying fat for sarah byrnes cliff notes