Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town  By  cover art

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

By: Kimberly Willis Holt
Narrated by: Will Patton
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $13.50

Buy for $13.50

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

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

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

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    99
  • 4 Stars
    54
  • 3 Stars
    19
  • 2 Stars
    6
  • 1 Stars
    4
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    96
  • 4 Stars
    22
  • 3 Stars
    6
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    1
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    76
  • 4 Stars
    29
  • 3 Stars
    14
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    3

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    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!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

worth the credit

a good quick story.. came off as a human nature piece.. tv does rot your brain..

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful surprise!

First of all: No one is a better narrator than Will Patton! He is great! Add his talent to a great book and you don't want the story to end! Ms. Holt knows how to wrap a story in beautifully crafted words and dialogue. Wonderful, wonderful! Americana at its best. Poignant, smart, and fun! Don't miss this one; and give a listen to The Water Seeker too, if you haven't heard it!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

charming

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

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!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Heartwarming Stiry

A lovely, touching story from beginning to end. I highly recommend it those needing an emotional lift.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous Audiobook!

Absolutely loved this book! I was reluctant at first because the main character is a middle-grade boy so I thought I wouldn't relate (I'm 53 years old and female). By a third of the way in I was hooked. Great descriptions, setting, and characters. The author brought the town and its people to life.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!