Rotund Roland

by J.L. Callison

Mocked and bullied for his large size by students and teachers alike, Roland Henderson was friendless and suicidal. It was not until his high school chorus teacher and a beautiful young lady stood up for him that his life began to change. Watch as Mr. Carlson’s encouragement and Connie’s love spark a metamorphosis that changes Roland from recluse to social magnet. From size-shaming to racial tensions, Rotund Roland deals with challenges students face.

74 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2018

Reviews

[H.L. Wegley]

This short, little book about a big, tall boy packs a large wallop. Roland, who suffers from gigantism, tells his story to us in first person, illustrating how wrong it is to bully or humiliate others who are different in ways over which they have no control.
While the story depicts the pain of cruel treatment by others it does have a good ending for Roland, thus the story could be used in schools to show the effects of cruelty and bullying as well as illustrating a much better alternative.
I expected an illustration of a message but found something more, a moving story that draws the reader into the life of the main characters. The vocabulary is more mature than most teenagers use, but teenagers can follow it and understand the message.

[Ann]

This is a book all middle schools and high schools should have as required reading. It is a very moving story about bullying and the pain it causes. If all teachers would take the stand that this one teacher took it would be wonderful. Please read this book.

[Michele Angello]

This sweet little novella captured my heart with its fable-like story structure and clear voice. Rotund Roland’s fragile heart is as big as his body, and it’s important for bullies and perpetrators to see the effect of cruel and/or criminal behavior on their victims. I hoping this book can be used in schools to illustrate the devastating effects of vicious behavior and lead bullies to better choices.

[Monika M.]

This story gives me hope in the world.. <3
As a bullied person myself, one of my biggest dreams in life is for bullying to stop! I keep hoping for that, keep defending people that are bullied, but life is so cruel that I often stop believing that people can be changed, that bullying can be stopped...
I'll let this book be my hope. A hope that teachers can make a stand. A hope that even a bully can understand what he's doing, accept himself, open himself and be brave to ask for forgiveness.. I hope it's a real story. I hope it can happen...

[Justina Kapeckaitė]

Optimistic as always J. L. Callison presents a story about a bullied boy who is suffering from gigantism. Despite the main theme, it is not the story of misery and sadness. No. It is a story that leaves a sweet taste after reading it. The main protagonist plays piano and also sings, so half of the story is centered around the school festival.

There are two things that I wish could be different: that I could really hear the music Roland was able to create (because I love good music so much and also played piano 10 years ago). The second one: that all the bullies would be same as DuWayne - honorable and able to see themselves in order to change into a proper person. This story reminded me, that people we tend to categorize as "bad" were not born bad; they simply people dumped into the pit of misery and ended up projective their grief inside others.

Would be really nice if this story would be used as a material for bullying preventing the same way as Charles Dickens tried to change the world with his creations.

[Teri]

Roland secludes himself from the public because of his size. His next-door neighbor, Connie, and chorus teacher, Mr. Carlson, are able to pull him out of hiding because of music. This book is emotional and realistic. Not sure I agree with Connie and Roland getting married at such an early age, but it works for the overall story.

[Karen Putz]

Excellent book that covers the real-life issues of bullying. J. L. Callison captivates as he educates!