Fat kids rule the world post 2

As the story begins, Troy has very obvious issues with his self-esteem. He is constantly referring to himself and his obesity in a negative light. He is also contemplating suicide. When Curt wants to befriend him and when he invites Troy to join his band, Troy doesn't believe it's actually happening to him. He persuades himself that the entire afternoon and evening were part of a hallucination before he goes to school the next day and discovers that it all was real. The fact that Curt really does want to be his friend gives him a boost and helps him see himself in a new light. He realizes he does have something to offer others. A theme that people could take away from the book is that no matter who you are or what you look like you can always try and help someone in any way possible weather if it is big or small.