It's the band geeks against the dancing cheerleaders in the Spunk River war. They are fighting over control of the school pop machine. The pop machine proceeds are supposed to fund the band and summer camp but not anymore. The funds were absconded by the cheerleaders and Gabe is raving mad and plans to do something about it. He organizes the music lovers of his school in a planned protest over the summer, eventually getting caught stealing from the pop machine.
Gabe put a lot of money into the pop machine buying 2-6 cans of Mountain Dew Code Red everyday. Over the year he has gained a large amount of weight and everyone is calling him Chunks. His mom left and moved to Japan, his dad is emotionally unstable and his grandpa has moved in. Gabe's life is topsy turvy but he has big plans to take charge of it, starting with the pop machine.
Fat Boy vs. the Cheerleaders is told entirely from Gabe's point of view as he gives his deposition to attorney at law, Henry Rodriquez. There is witty dialog, funny scenes, and unbelievable crazy teen antics. Gabe is an unlikely, inspiring hero who undergoes a metamorphosis within the pages of Fat Boy vs. the Cheerleaders.
Herbach does an excellent job of tackling serious teen issues in a funny and interesting way. His characters are unique and beautifully flawed (albiet a little bit crazy) and it is their flaws which you grow to love and keep you turning the pages. The storyline is fresh and it teaches each and everyone of us that you have the power within yourself to change your own little corner of the world.
