Lardy Marty: The Boy Who Fell into the Sky (Large Print) - Paperback

by Melanie Kinder (Author)

What if your biggest wish came true-but not the way you hoped?

​Marty Bo is eleven, chubby, anxious, and tired of being picked on. When a magical four-leaf clover and a fairy offer him one wish, Marty asks to fix his weight. But instead of shrinking, he starts to float-literally. Suddenly, every day is a struggle to stay grounded, dodge bullies, and keep his secret safe.

With the help of his fiercely loyal best friend Jessica Crew and his goofy dog Bozer, Marty navigates the ups and downs of school, friendship, and family. Together, they invent secret handshakes, hunt for clovers, and dream of ordinary magic in their backyard hideout. But as Marty's floating problem grows, so does the risk of being exposed and the threat from Conroy, the relentless bully who's determined to uncover Marty's secret.

​Lardy Marty is a heartfelt, funny, and magical coming-of-age story about courage, belonging, and the power of friendship. It's about learning to stand up for yourself, finding hope in unexpected places, and discovering that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.

This novel reminds us that real magic is found in ordinary moments, and that every kid deserves to feel seen, understood, and loved.​​

​Target Audience:

Middle-grade contemporary novel with elements of magical realism. It blends realistic themes of bullying, friendship, and self-acceptance with a whimsical, fantastical twist: Marty's gradual loss of gravity after a magical wish. Making it both heartfelt and imaginative for readers ages 8-12