Theme and Summary: Fat Kid Rules the World

The theme of this book would be working together in life can help you survive the tough times. This theme emerges in the middle of the book when Troy realizes that he needs Curt McCrae in order for him to survive and keep him positive about himself. The  development of this theme is gradual, since the main characters don't become friends till the middle of the novel. The theme is shaped by the actions of Curt and Troy, along with other characters that aren't quite as important. An example of this would be after Troy goes to the concert and meets up with Ollie, and is told that he is lucky to be Curt's drummer since they need each other to survive. This event occurs in chapter 45, along with the fact that many people see Troy as popular since he knows Curt, and this is the first time in his whole life that Troy has been thought of as popular.