Biggie

Marc Notes: Henry Biggie Abbott has hidden behind his weight for years, and although he is the son and stepson of two of Finch, Minnesota's most famous athletes, he prefers academic success until the girl of his dreams suggests he join the baseball team, and, with his stepbrother's help, he discovers he is a great pitcher. Review Quotes: "Some teens may find Biggie's attitutude off-putting. In the end, however, Biggie redeems himself by realizing that he just might be the villain of the story. This novel is well written and fairly quick-paced." School Library Journal, February 1, 2015Review Quotes: "Thoughtful and witty, Biggie tells a story full of physical and emotional highs and lows as debut author Sullivan empathetically addresses topics of self-esteem and finding healthier, happier versions of oneself (and what that even means)." Publishers Weekly, January 19, 2015Review Quotes: "Biggie's story will resonate with all those students who feel invisible and alone. A bighearted story that will have readers rooting for Henry 'Biggie' Abbott." Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2015Publisher Marketing: Henry "Biggie" Abbott is the son of one of Finch, Iowa 's most famous athletes. His father was a baseball legend and his step-dad is a close second. At an obese 300+ pounds though, Biggie himself prefers classroom success to sports. As a perfectionist, he doesn't understand why someone would be happy getting two hits in five trips to the plate. "Forty percent, that's an F in any class," he would say. As Biggie's junior year begins, the girl of his dreams, Annabelle Rivers, starts to flirt with him. Hundreds of people have told him to follow in his dad's footsteps and play ball, but Annabelle might be the one to actually convince him to try. What happens when a boy who has spent his life since fourth grade trying to remain invisible is suddenly thrust into the harsh glare of the high school spotlight? Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 01/15/2015 (EAN 9780807507278, Hardcover) Publishers Weekly 01/19/2015 (EAN 9780807507278, Hardcover) Voice of Youth Advocates 02/01/2015 (EAN 9780807507278, Hardcover) School Library Journal 02/01/2015 pg. 109 (EAN 9780807507278, Hardcover) Booklist 02/15/2015 pg. 79 (EAN 9780807507278, Hardcover) Contributor Bio:  Sullivan, Derek E Derek E. Sullivan is an award-winning reporter at the Rochester Post-Bulletin in Minnesota. As a reporter, he has written more than 1,000 stories about the lives of teenagers, which he attributes to helping him find his YA voice. He has an MFA from Hamline University and lives in Minnesota with his wife and three sons. This is his first novel.