Spinelli, Jerry. Loser. HarperCollins (2003). ISBN-10: 0060540745

Plot Summary

Almost every classroom has a wide range of personalities: the popular student, the jock, the smarty-pants, the pretty girl whom all the boys like, the class clown, and last of all, the “loser.” In his childhood years, Donald Zinkoff has been the “loser.” Although he is a bit slower than the rest, the last to be picked for teams, and the butt of most jokes, he still loves school and has a positive perspective on life. Zinkoff is an ordinary kid who experiences the taunting of classmates’ jokes and ridicule but does not let it bring him down.

Critical Evaluation

Jerry Spinelli’s portrayal of Donald Zinkoff in the book Loser is outstanding! And, I have had a few students like Zinkoff actually in my classes over the years. A boy teased for his odd/quirky behaviors…that’s certainly not original, but Zinkoff’s outlook is. As with most of Spinelli’s works, the characters are believable and the setting is certainly realistic. Spinelli never disappoints!

Reader's Annotation

Despite his difficulties, Donald Zinkoff is a resilient and brave boy. When a girl goes missing, he sets out to find her even though she was found shortly after. His determination proves that failure will happen, but the human spirit will prevail.

About the Author

Jerry Spinelli was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in 1941. In 1957, Spinelli realized writing was his passion when his high school football team won a big game. While other students went to celebrate the occasion, Spinelli went home and wrote a poem. Without Spinelli knowing, his father took the poem to the town newspaper where it was later published. Although he did spend time as an editor for Chilton Company, he now spends his days writing full-time. Two of his books, Maniac Magee and Wringer, have earned Newbery Honor Awards.

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties

Language Arts, Social Studies

Booktalking Ideas

Read aloud from page 217:

He doesn’t know that he’s a klutz. Doesn’t know he’s out of his league. Doesn’t
know a leftover doesn’t stare down a chooser. Doesn’t know he’s supposed to
look down at his shoes or up in the sky and wish he could disappear, because
that’s what he is, a leftover, the last kid left. Check out Jerry Spinelli’s Loser!

Reading Level/Interest Age

Ages 9-12, Grades 4-6

Reason for Book Selection

I am a huge fan of Jerry Spinelli’s works. His books are extremely popular with both boys and girls, and I especially enjoyed Stargirl and Maniac Magee. I appreciate the fact that Spinelli’s books contain realistic themes for students in the middle grades.