Freedom for Petka! A story about how beneficial it is to leave children alone

The book begins in a politically incorrect way: "Petka was fat..."

This novella was written in the late 80s, so it feels like a Soviet story about body shaming, bullying, and all that is about to follow... But no: the emphasis here is placed quite differently—surprisingly modern! The protagonist, ten-year-old Petka, is not only overweight but also growing up "like a mimosa plant in a botanical garden," meaning he is spoiled beyond measure. But are children to blame if adults treat them like fragile china and won't let them take a step on their own? No, they are not! And that is exactly what this book is about.

When his overprotective mother is forced to send her son away for the whole summer to the countryside to stay with her plain-living relatives—who, even if they wanted to, wouldn't have the time to fuss over Petenka as if he were a precious porcelain doll—the boy suddenly blossoms: he learns to live in Spartan conditions, takes a few knocks, starts taking care of himself, and finds common ground with people. In short, he grows up away from his parental home.

The book is engaging, kind, funny in places, and quite relevant, even though it is nearly 40 years old.

"Petka" is recommended for 7-11-year-old readers.