Loser
by Jerry Spinelli

List Price: $5.99
Our Price: $1.85
You Save: $4.14 (69%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $0.97 (click here)
Category: Book
See more book details and other editions

Book Summary Information

Book Reviews of Loser

Book Review: Create Your Own Review
Summary: 4 Stars

Summary of Loser

The author recounts Zinkoff's story--a case study of sorts--in short sentences from a deliberately reportorial point of view, documenting the first years of the boy's life and his evolution into a loser. What makes the book charming and buoyant is that the reader, like Zinkoff's parents and his favorite teacher, appreciates the boy's oblivious joie de vivre and his divine quirks. What is less compelling about the novel is the "let this be a lesson to us" heavy-handedness that accompanies the reportorial approach. Still, Spinelli comes through again with a lively, often moving story with humor and heart to spare. (Ages 8 to 12) --Karin Snelson

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."

Health, Mind & Body Books

• Children's Books > Ages 9-12
• Literature
• People & Places > Social Situations > Self-Esteem & Self-Respect > Fiction
• Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( S ) > Spinelli, Jerry
• Issues
• Nonfiction > Education
• Teens > Social Issues > Being a Teen
• Health, Mind & Body: Self-Help: General
• Nonfiction: Education: General
• Children's Books: Ages 9-12: General