"Oh man.
That was intense.
Are you okay?
Stop asking me that!
I'm fine. I don't need
to be cheered up all
the time.
Sorry.
I think you would be happier
if you went back to doing
something that showed off
your funny side."
In a graphic novel that speaks to the author's experiences as an overweight kid growing up in the 1980s, readers learn that Hudi's parents insist that being involved in sports will improve his health and help him lose weight. Hudi would rather work to improve his comedy chops ... he is seriously funny. But, being a star athlete has some appeal.
He tries baseball and soccer - not nearly coordinated enough to think of being a part of those teams. He keeps trying; first at swimming where he achieves some success; then at tennis which holds no interest for him. Finally, he proves he has a natural talent for football. He has found his place, and a coach who uses Hudi's size to soundly defeat all opposition. With his coach and another player screaming from the sidelines that his job is to put players out with hits that end the game for them, Hudi barrels on.
When he realizes that the opponent he is meant to crush is a friend, Ronald, Hudi has a needed change of heart. Hudi helps him up, and is quickly banned from the field. Turns out he doesn't like football nearly as much as he thought he did. His antics following the order to get off the field brings out the comedic entertainer in Hudi; he manages to entertain the entire crowd, filling the stands with laughter and applause. If not, football, then what?
It isn't long before Hudi finds just exactly what will make his heart sing. Convincingly, he earns the trophy that means more than any other one could. Throughout his many attempts to do as his parents ask of him, Hudi is accompanied by an uplifting, supportive imaginary mascot named Chunky. He is the perfect companion as Hudi exhibits self-acceptance and a generally sunny outlook, despite his health issues and all the advice to lost weight.
Hudi is a great character who will find empathy with readers. Chunky is the pal he needs badly; one who makes all attempts at finding a sport that suits palatable. The illustrations are dramatic and poignant. This book is ideal for middle graders.
"Being "Chunky" isn't about being fat. Being Chunky is about feeling like you don't fit in. As a Mexican Jewish kid with loads of health problems growing up in Houston, Texas, I never felt like I fit in anywhere. It wasn't until I discovered theater that I felt like I finally found my people."
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