Loser

From renowned Newbery-winning author Jerry Spinelli comes a powerful story about how not fitting in just might lead to an incredible life. This classic book is perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and Carl Hiaasen.

Just like other kids, Zinkoff rides his bike, hopes for snow days, and wants to be like his dad when he grows up. But Zinkoff also raises his hand with all the wrong answers, trips over his own feet, and falls down with laughter over a word like "Jabip."

Other kids have their own word to describe him, but Zinkoff is too busy to hear it. He doesn't know he's not like everyone else. And one winter night, Zinkoff's differences show that any name can someday become "hero."

With some of his finest writing to date and great wit and humor, Jerry Spinelli creates a story about a boy's individuality surpassing the need to fit in and the genuine importance of failure. As readers follow Zinkoff from first through sixth grade, it becomes impossible not to identify with and root for him through failures and triumphs.

The perfect classroom read.

Author: Jerry Spinelli
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 05/01/2018
Pages: 218
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.35lbs
Size: 7.63h x 5.13w x 0.56d
ISBN: 9780060540746
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.3
Point Value: 5
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 59382 / Loser


Award: Nutmeg Book Award - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
PW Notes and Reprints 11/03/2003 pg. 77
Publishers Weekly 11/03/2003

About the Author
Spinelli, Jerry: -

Jerry Spinelli received the Newbery Medal for Maniac Magee and a Newbery Honor for Wringer. His other books include Stargirl; Love, Stargirl; Smiles to Go; Loser; Jake and Lily; Hokey Pokey; and The Warden's Daughter. His novels are recognized for their humor and poignancy, and his characters and situations are often drawn from his real-life experience as a father of six children. Jerry lives with his wife, Eileen, also a writer, in Wayne, Pennsylvania.