When Zachary Beaver Came to Town Audiobook By Kimberly Willis Holt cover art

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

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When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

By: Kimberly Willis Holt
Narrated by: Will Patton
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About this listen

Nothing ever happens in Toby's small Texas town. Nothing much until this summer that's full of big changes.

It's tough for Toby when his mother leaves home to become a country singer. And Toby takes it hard when his best friend Cal's older brother goes off to fight in Vietnam. But now their sleepy town is about to get an even bigger jolt with the arrival of Zachary Beaver, billed as the fattest boy in the world. Toby is in for a summer unlike any other, a summer sure to change his life.

©1999 Laurie Halse Anderson (P)2000 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group
Education Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Primary Education Summer
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Critic reviews

"Holt...sets her heartwarming and carefully crafted novel during 1971, but her message of tolerance is one that contemporary readers will appreciate." (Publishers Weekly)

"Will Patton is exceptional in his narration. His voice is firm and sincere, with a deliberate slowness that gives import to the motif of watching and inevitable change. His pauses allow the listener to reflect on the story's events and the understandings and friendships that develop and deepen because of them. Don't miss this recording!" (AudioFile)

What listeners say about When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

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love this book!! my class of 6th graders loves it

I teach 6th grade and we all love it! we have a copy for all 24 students. perfect match for 6th grade! love Kimberly willis holt!

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hzhshs shsjshs shsusush shahshs ahshshsv shshsh sysusysy ayshshs whshshs shshsh h h g y h

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Awesome audio book!

My family and I listened to this book while traveling, the kids stopped watching their movie to listen. We really enjoyed it, one that I have recommended over and over again!

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1 person found this helpful

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Great story for adults, too

Terrific story with incredible narration by the wonderful Will Patton. In 1971 I was the same age as the main character and his best friend. This book reminded me of much of the feelings I had at that age.

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charming

I thought the book was charming, although the ending seemed a bit contrived. Overall,it's entertaining.

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I Absolutely Loved This Story!!!

This story is an amazing coming of age novel. Small town, odd friends with colorful personalities, beautiful setting, what's not to like.

Will Patton is my absolute favorite actor who is also a narrator. He is masterful.

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Super Book

Would you consider the audio edition of When Zachary Beaver Came to Town to be better than the print version?

This was a great book. We listened to it and fell in love with the characters, the time period, and relived some of the heart ache of growning-up.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Zachary Beaver was an interesting guy.

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Came for Will Patton narration, stayed for wonderful story.

Superb narration, as always by Will Patton, and excellent coming of age tale for all ages. Old fashioned, yet timeless, heart warming and uplifting. One to listen to again, whatever your age.

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    4 out of 5 stars

A Great Listen!!

I must confess that I was originally searching for any books narrated by Will Patton. He is very talented. When I came across this book, I hesitated because it's considered a kid's book. I was more than pleasantly surprised with how entertaining it was. I am so glad I took a chance on it!!

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7 people found this helpful

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The Perfect Family Book

Why is it so hard to find a universally, clean, appealing book for everyone? Well, this book is that rare gem and in Audible form it is even better because the narration is unbelievably good. Whenever I am feeling stressed with how crude, jaded and unimaginative the world has become, I'll return to listening to this reminder of more gentle times when shock and sharp edges weren't required to sell books.

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