Fum by Adam Rapp
Published by Candlewick Press on February 23rd 2018
ISBN: 0763667560
Pages: 416
Goodreads

“Fee fi fo fum” is the giant’s call to action in Jack and the Beanstalk, and FUM  is what Corinthia is called by her classmates because of her condition, gigantism, which has caused her to grow to seven feet, four and a half inches.  Billy Ball is short and immature for his age.  In alternating chapters we learn of the bullying and horrible things that are said and done to them by classmates, school faculty, and family members.  But Corinthia can foresee terrible events that are about to happen to the community, although no one believes her at first.

This is a very strange book with many events happening and then left with no explanations.  Why did Corinthia’s brother, Channing, leave, where has he been, and why does Corinthia foresee him hanging from the water tower in town?  Were the wolves only in the story to kill and eat Billy’s body?  Why did the tornadoes come and only hit the high school?  Corinthia weighed 287 pounds, but she is said to have broken toilets and chairs because of her weight.  The quality of the writing is excellent but the plot left me confused and angry at the discrimination and bullying.  This book would be read by students in grades 10-12.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland