Big Guy

by Robin Stevenson

Overview

Derek thinks he might be falling in love. The problem is, he hasn't been entirely honest with his online boyfriend. Derek sent Ethan a photo taken before he got depressed and gained eighty pounds. Derek hasn't been honest with his employer either. When he lied about his age and experience to get a job with disabled adults, the last thing he expected was to meet a woman like Aaliyah. Smart, prickly and often difficult, Aaliyah challenges Derek's ideas about honesty and trust. Derek has to choose whether to risk telling the truth or to give up the most important relationship in his life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781554695768
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	03/01/2008
Series:	Orca Soundings Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Robin Stevenson is the author of ten books for children and young adults. Robin has also worked as a social worker, counselor and university instructor. She enjoys reading, traveling, visiting schools and talking to people of all ages about books and writing. Robin lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her family.

Read an Excerpt

That picture I sent? It was taken last year, before Mom left. Before I packed on all this fat. That was a good eighty pounds ago though: you wouldn’t even recognize me if you saw me now.

I barely recognize myself.

Editorial Reviews

Derek, 17 years old, is going through a lot of changes as he becomes an adult. The author does an excellent job of getting inside Derek's head and showing the emotions involved. Her approach is almost poetic, almost a stream of consciousness. As a young gay man, Derek is dealing with his first real romantic involvement, online, problems with his own body image, his father's non acceptance of his sexual orientation, his first job outside his comfort zone, and friends who are experiencing similar issues. He meets a young handicapped woman through his job. They help each other learn about their own shortcomings and strengths. He learns about family love from a female friend, also gay, whose family takes him in when his own father kicks him out. Despite the shortness of this novella, the author shines a lot of light on a lot of issues. Reviewer: Sue Poduska

Children's Literature - Sue Poduska

"Complex themes handled very well with humor and directness, this book would be a good addition to a HS library."

Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media

"Engrossing and heartfelt...Stevenson deals with controversial and emotional issues with sensitivity and realism. Recommended."

CM Magazine

"A fast read that should appeal to any reader looking for a story of self-acceptance and the determination to carry on."

TeensReadToo.com

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