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The Nerd Girls #2
A Catastrophe of Nerdish Proportions
The Nerd Girls are back. And though they seek to leave behind all the drama with the popular girls, the ThreePees feel they have a score to settle with the Nerds and will stop at nothing to do so. Fed up with the perpetual infighting, the school principal insists that if the two groups want to continue to "compete" with one another, they will do so in a productive manner and thus forces all six girls, Nerd Girls and ThreePees, to participate in the Academic Septhalon. But Maureen has family troubles. And issues of self-esteem. And a desire to bury her head in the sand and pretend that all of the very real issues she's facing as a kid who is now growing up are not really happening to her. Are cupcakes, a sarcastic sense of humor and a hope that it will all "just go away" on its own enough to get Maureen through eighth grade? Will Beanpole wake up and smell the coffee? Will Alice really be able to cure herself of the allergies that plague her? It's A Catastrophe of Nerdish Proportions, a fast-paced, funny, foray back into the lives of the three nerds we got to know and love in Nerd Girls Book I: The Rise of the Dorkasaurus.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published July 31, 2012
6 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Alan Sitomer
28 books126 followersAlan Lawrence Sitomer is a California Teacher of the Year award winner and the founder of The Writer’s Success Academy. In addition to having been an inner-city high school English teacher and former professor in the Graduate School Of Education at Loyola Marymount University, Mr. Sitomer is a nationally renowned keynote speaker who specializes in engaging underperforming students. To date, Mr. Sitomer has authored 16 books with works ranging from hard-hitting YA novels like CAGED WARRIOR, HOMEBOYZ, THE HOOPSTER and HIP-HOP HIGH SCHOOL to humorous and warm children’s picture books such as DADDIES DO IT DIFFERENT and DADDY’S ZIGZAGGING BEDTIME STORY. Alan lives in Los Angeles where he just finished writing the movie script adaptation for his novel CAGED WARRIOR.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 4, 2012
Yep, still love this series. I am convinced that it is the perfect read aloud for middle schoolers. Last year, I read the first book aloud and had a captive audience every day. Maybe it was due to my dynamic reading that could win a Grammy, or maybe it was the great characters. Either way, the kids loved the book. Nerd Girls: A Catastrophe of Nerdish Proportions is no different. This book should be read aloud!
Let me start by saying that the biting sarcasm of the narrator is fabulous. I love the self-deprecating humor and I think students can relate to it as well. Middle school is all about finding your self-esteem and your place in the food chain, which Mo does with biting sarcasm and “real” humor. I laughed out loud in so many places, I’m sure the people around me wondered whether I was really reading or not on my Kindle. I knew this would be another hit when I read Mo’s description of a “squeaker” in the first chapter! I nearly chocked on my tea I laughed so hard.
Like the author’s other novels, these fun, quirky books actually have a hard lesson hidden between the pages. As I said, middle school is a treacherous time and most kids have a hard time finding where they fit in. The characters in this book are no different. What is different, though, is the positive message that you will find. Do the three misfits transform from ducklings into swans? Hardly. They are still awkward and unpopular at the end, but that doesn’t matter because they have self-worth and a place. I really like how the group of three grew in this book. The fact that they accepted another member into the Nerd Herd was great. The side story dealing with Maureen’s (MO) absent-until-now father was also important. Many kids struggle with not knowing their fathers (or other members of their family) and it’s a hard thing to deal with. Mr. Sitomer does a nice job showing the struggles kids might have with this situation through humor. I think many kids will find themselves relating to Mo once again.
I highly recommend this book (and series). It’s fabulous! I’ve already ordered my copy of this book to read aloud again this year. I promise you will not be disappointed if you do the same.
Let me start by saying that the biting sarcasm of the narrator is fabulous. I love the self-deprecating humor and I think students can relate to it as well. Middle school is all about finding your self-esteem and your place in the food chain, which Mo does with biting sarcasm and “real” humor. I laughed out loud in so many places, I’m sure the people around me wondered whether I was really reading or not on my Kindle. I knew this would be another hit when I read Mo’s description of a “squeaker” in the first chapter! I nearly chocked on my tea I laughed so hard.
Like the author’s other novels, these fun, quirky books actually have a hard lesson hidden between the pages. As I said, middle school is a treacherous time and most kids have a hard time finding where they fit in. The characters in this book are no different. What is different, though, is the positive message that you will find. Do the three misfits transform from ducklings into swans? Hardly. They are still awkward and unpopular at the end, but that doesn’t matter because they have self-worth and a place. I really like how the group of three grew in this book. The fact that they accepted another member into the Nerd Herd was great. The side story dealing with Maureen’s (MO) absent-until-now father was also important. Many kids struggle with not knowing their fathers (or other members of their family) and it’s a hard thing to deal with. Mr. Sitomer does a nice job showing the struggles kids might have with this situation through humor. I think many kids will find themselves relating to Mo once again.
I highly recommend this book (and series). It’s fabulous! I’ve already ordered my copy of this book to read aloud again this year. I promise you will not be disappointed if you do the same.
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December 10, 2017I FINALLY FOUND THIS BOOk
ok so I've been looking for this book for a vERY long time but I only remembered one thing about it (they win the Big Academic Bowl (tm) at the end because of a question about hair products that only the Mean Girl knows the answer to, thus forcing them to work together and become BFFS or something. But for whatever reason, Small Carol reallllly liked it. Maybe it was a good book? Who knows? I guess I'll find out. but anyway
I
FINALLY
FOUND
IT
ok so I've been looking for this book for a vERY long time but I only remembered one thing about it (they win the Big Academic Bowl (tm) at the end because of a question about hair products that only the Mean Girl knows the answer to, thus forcing them to work together and become BFFS or something. But for whatever reason, Small Carol reallllly liked it. Maybe it was a good book? Who knows? I guess I'll find out. but anyway
I
FINALLY
FOUND
IT
July 24, 2012
When I received an advance copy from Net Galley, I was surprised to realize this was the second in a series. Luckily, there is a recap of events from the first book hidden in the opening chapters of A Catastrophe of Nerdish Proportions.
The Nerd Girls are composed of Mo, Beanpole, and Q. Sarcastic Maureen is a fan of eating her emotions and has the flab to show for it. Barbara is the klutzy but kind child of "Department Store Mom" and "Department Store Dad", which (to my shock) isn't presented as a bad thing in the story. Alice is allergic to the universe, but determined to refocus her mother's (or should I say "smother's") energy back out in to the world. Bonded by the events of the first book, this entertaining trio is locked in a battle royale with the ThreePees.
"Pretty, Popular, and Perfect" Kiki, Brattney, and Sofes are the resident mean girls. They favor pranks recorded for YouTube posterity to being decent human beings. Or do they?
When a prank goes awry and the principal has had enough, they are assigned to the Academic Septathalon Team.
This entertaining read reminds me of fun teen flicks like Mean Girls in the best way. Set in Grover Park Middle School, these 8th graders are full of sass. I will definitely be recommending this series to my tween readers.
The Nerd Girls are composed of Mo, Beanpole, and Q. Sarcastic Maureen is a fan of eating her emotions and has the flab to show for it. Barbara is the klutzy but kind child of "Department Store Mom" and "Department Store Dad", which (to my shock) isn't presented as a bad thing in the story. Alice is allergic to the universe, but determined to refocus her mother's (or should I say "smother's") energy back out in to the world. Bonded by the events of the first book, this entertaining trio is locked in a battle royale with the ThreePees.
"Pretty, Popular, and Perfect" Kiki, Brattney, and Sofes are the resident mean girls. They favor pranks recorded for YouTube posterity to being decent human beings. Or do they?
When a prank goes awry and the principal has had enough, they are assigned to the Academic Septathalon Team.
This entertaining read reminds me of fun teen flicks like Mean Girls in the best way. Set in Grover Park Middle School, these 8th graders are full of sass. I will definitely be recommending this series to my tween readers.
December 28, 2011
The nerd girls are back and funnier than ever. The reader will meet Beanpole, Alice, and Maureen once again and in amusing circumstances. Will Alice poison herself through scientific experiment? Will Maureen step up and be a leader? Will Beanpole learn to stick up for herself? These questions are mostly answered in this next book in the series.
The nerd girls worst nightmare has come true, they must work together with the ThreePees in an Academic Septatholon. There is scoffing on both sides; the nerd girls believe the ThreePees will hinder their chances at winning and the ThreePees hate being seen with the nerd girls. Can the two groups ever reconcile? They don't have any help from their supposed supervisor the vice president, can they pull this off?
Overall, anyone who enjoyed the first book in the series will love this book. The characters are likable and easy to relate to. They all have different traits that make them stick out. It is often hard to enjoy a book with so many main characters, but the author does a great job. The scenes flow, no awkward transitions or unexplained events. The ending could have been a little more of a surprise, but it was a worthwhile read.
June 5, 2012
The Nerd Girls take on the ThreePees (pretty, popular and perfect) aka the Mean Girls. Outwardly they don't win, but where it counts, they do. Funny and sarcastic. Should be popular with tweens.
December 19, 2016
In this sequel to Nerd Girls: Rise of the Dorkasaurus, Maureen, Beanpole, and Q, collectively known as the Nerd Girls, are still fighting pretty constantly with the Threepees, Kiki, Brittany-Brattany, and Sofes. The two groups’ pranks on each other escalate so severely, the principal finally steps in to put an end to their bitter rivalry. His solution? The two groups must join as one team and compete in the Academic Septathlon.
As in the first book, Maureen’s voice is very strong in this second novel, but she is much more likable this time around. Though she still occasionally puts herself down over her weight, she is more confident in herself and more willing to take on the cruel popular girls instead of just backing down and letting them win. I also thought her affection for Q and Beanpole was much more evident this time around, especially when Q nearly lets her medical issues get the best of her. Interestingly, Beanpole became a favorite for me in this novel as well, especially when it begins to look like she and Sofes will become friends during their preparations for the septathlon. In fact, Sofes, Brittany, and Kiki all seem to become more human in this book. They’ll never be angels, but Sitomer does a nice job of letting the reader see at list a hint of who the girls are beneath their nasty attitudes.
Another thing that struck me about this book is how funny it is. I don’t remember laughing as much during the first book, but there are a lot of great one-liners and comic moments in the sequel. I especially like the predictably klutzy moves Beanpole makes at various points throughout the book. They provide nice comic relief as well as a great model for kids to learn how to laugh at themselves. The entire story is actually a great lesson in self-acceptance and confidence, but it doesn’t present itself in a preach way, so kids will be drawn to it, not repelled.
All in all, this is a great follow-up to Rise of the Dorkasaurus and fans of the first book will eagerly devour it. Both Nerd Girls books are great for kids who like Dork Diaries, Popularity Papers, Dear Dumb Diary, and The Snob Squad.
As in the first book, Maureen’s voice is very strong in this second novel, but she is much more likable this time around. Though she still occasionally puts herself down over her weight, she is more confident in herself and more willing to take on the cruel popular girls instead of just backing down and letting them win. I also thought her affection for Q and Beanpole was much more evident this time around, especially when Q nearly lets her medical issues get the best of her. Interestingly, Beanpole became a favorite for me in this novel as well, especially when it begins to look like she and Sofes will become friends during their preparations for the septathlon. In fact, Sofes, Brittany, and Kiki all seem to become more human in this book. They’ll never be angels, but Sitomer does a nice job of letting the reader see at list a hint of who the girls are beneath their nasty attitudes.
Another thing that struck me about this book is how funny it is. I don’t remember laughing as much during the first book, but there are a lot of great one-liners and comic moments in the sequel. I especially like the predictably klutzy moves Beanpole makes at various points throughout the book. They provide nice comic relief as well as a great model for kids to learn how to laugh at themselves. The entire story is actually a great lesson in self-acceptance and confidence, but it doesn’t present itself in a preach way, so kids will be drawn to it, not repelled.
All in all, this is a great follow-up to Rise of the Dorkasaurus and fans of the first book will eagerly devour it. Both Nerd Girls books are great for kids who like Dork Diaries, Popularity Papers, Dear Dumb Diary, and The Snob Squad.
October 30, 2012
The battle between the Nerd Girls and the ThreePees has finally gone too far. Principal Mazer is determined to end the feud before any more damage is done. (You should have seen the art room once the ThreePees attacked the Nerd Girls locked inside.). Now all six girls must work together to represent the Aardvarks at the Academic Septathlon. If they don’t pull together, there will be consequences.
What I love about this story is the quirky characters. Meet the Nerd Girls and their nemeses.
Maureen hides her insecurities behind a sarcastic humor. In addition try planning revenge on the ThreePees, Maureen has problems at home. Her missing-for-years dad has suddenly reappeared and wants to fill up some holes.” Somehow, she manages to inspire others without knowing it. She just might be a leader
Beanpole is the enthusiastic cheerleader and peacemaker and total clutz. Even though her clothes are organized by temperature, she can’t help but see the good in everyone. Too bad it’s not always there. Besides on want her “Department Store Mom” to come take care off me.
Q is brilliant and stubborn. She may be their secret weapon if she can survive her allergies and her attempt to cure herself. She has a fascination with the rules and the word Aardvark.
Kiki, leader of the ThreePees, is the ultimate mean girl. The only thing worse than having to work with the Nerd Girls is having to be beaten yet again by Wynston from Saint Dianne’s.
Brittany follows wherever Kiki leads with the constant refrain of “My dad’s a lawyer.”
Sofes may not be the brightest crayon in the box, but she knows hair. She also has a big decision to make That makes her my favorite character.
Now go get your nerd on and pick up a copy to read today.
First published on my blog at http://kaymcgriff.edublogs.org/2012/1...
What I love about this story is the quirky characters. Meet the Nerd Girls and their nemeses.
Maureen hides her insecurities behind a sarcastic humor. In addition try planning revenge on the ThreePees, Maureen has problems at home. Her missing-for-years dad has suddenly reappeared and wants to fill up some holes.” Somehow, she manages to inspire others without knowing it. She just might be a leader
Beanpole is the enthusiastic cheerleader and peacemaker and total clutz. Even though her clothes are organized by temperature, she can’t help but see the good in everyone. Too bad it’s not always there. Besides on want her “Department Store Mom” to come take care off me.
Q is brilliant and stubborn. She may be their secret weapon if she can survive her allergies and her attempt to cure herself. She has a fascination with the rules and the word Aardvark.
Kiki, leader of the ThreePees, is the ultimate mean girl. The only thing worse than having to work with the Nerd Girls is having to be beaten yet again by Wynston from Saint Dianne’s.
Brittany follows wherever Kiki leads with the constant refrain of “My dad’s a lawyer.”
Sofes may not be the brightest crayon in the box, but she knows hair. She also has a big decision to make That makes her my favorite character.
Now go get your nerd on and pick up a copy to read today.
First published on my blog at http://kaymcgriff.edublogs.org/2012/1...
June 16, 2014
Nerds and bullies. Pranks and slam books. Just another day in eighth grade. Maureen (Mo) knows she’s a nerd. She describes her friends, Barbara (Bean Pole) and Alice (Q), and herself as quirky, do-well-in-school, socially awkward, and get laughed at by other kids. On the outside, she’s loud and opinionated. On the inside, she’s insecure and dealing with not only the bullies at school but her divorced mom who is now re-dating her re-divorced father. Yeah, figure that one out.
Author Alan Lawrence Sitomer’s MG/Tween novel, NERD GIRLS, A CATASTROPHE OF NERDISH PROPORTIONS is a story of friendships, family, and consequences. From locking the Nerd Girls in the booby-trapped art room to booby-trapped cookies, the Three Pees (Pretty, Popular, Perfect Girls), Kiki, Brittany, and Sofes cause trouble. The Nerds plan revenge. Finally, the principal has had enough. He gives them one way they can get out of the punishment they deserve. I don’t want to spoil the fun, so I’m saying no more, except that I laughed. I cried. And I remembered my junior high days, the slam books especially.
I think NERD GIRLS will appeal to middle school students, especially girls, that may be going through similar challenges at school and/or at home. The author has captured those in-between years when life is a drama and every event a catastrophe. Every middle school library should have a copy of this novel. Of course you’ll want a copy for your personal library, too. The author provided
Author Alan Lawrence Sitomer’s MG/Tween novel, NERD GIRLS, A CATASTROPHE OF NERDISH PROPORTIONS is a story of friendships, family, and consequences. From locking the Nerd Girls in the booby-trapped art room to booby-trapped cookies, the Three Pees (Pretty, Popular, Perfect Girls), Kiki, Brittany, and Sofes cause trouble. The Nerds plan revenge. Finally, the principal has had enough. He gives them one way they can get out of the punishment they deserve. I don’t want to spoil the fun, so I’m saying no more, except that I laughed. I cried. And I remembered my junior high days, the slam books especially.
I think NERD GIRLS will appeal to middle school students, especially girls, that may be going through similar challenges at school and/or at home. The author has captured those in-between years when life is a drama and every event a catastrophe. Every middle school library should have a copy of this novel. Of course you’ll want a copy for your personal library, too. The author provided
September 7, 2015
Listened to A Catastrophe of Nerdish Proportions (The Nerd Girls #2) by Alan Sitomer
The Nerd Girls are back. And though they seek to leave behind all the drama with the popular girls, the ThreePees feel they have a score to settle with the Nerds and will stop at nothing to do so. Fed up with the perpetual infighting, the school principal insists that if the two groups want to continue to "compete" with one another, they will do so in a productive manner and thus forces all six girls, Nerd Girls and ThreePees, to participate in the Academic Septhalon. But Maureen has family troubles. And issues of self-esteem. And a desire to bury her head in the sand and pretend that all of the very real issues she's facing as a kid who is now growing up are not really happening to her. Are cupcakes, a sarcastic sense of humor and a hope that it will all "just go away" on its own enough to get Maureen through eighth grade? Will Beanpole wake up and smell the coffee? Will Alice really be able to cure herself of the allergies that plague her? It's A Catastrophe of Nerdish Proportions, a fast-paced, funny, foray back into the lives of the three nerds we got to know and love in Nerd Girls Book I: The Rise of the Dorkasaurus. I give this book 5 stars and a 10 a funny book.
The Nerd Girls are back. And though they seek to leave behind all the drama with the popular girls, the ThreePees feel they have a score to settle with the Nerds and will stop at nothing to do so. Fed up with the perpetual infighting, the school principal insists that if the two groups want to continue to "compete" with one another, they will do so in a productive manner and thus forces all six girls, Nerd Girls and ThreePees, to participate in the Academic Septhalon. But Maureen has family troubles. And issues of self-esteem. And a desire to bury her head in the sand and pretend that all of the very real issues she's facing as a kid who is now growing up are not really happening to her. Are cupcakes, a sarcastic sense of humor and a hope that it will all "just go away" on its own enough to get Maureen through eighth grade? Will Beanpole wake up and smell the coffee? Will Alice really be able to cure herself of the allergies that plague her? It's A Catastrophe of Nerdish Proportions, a fast-paced, funny, foray back into the lives of the three nerds we got to know and love in Nerd Girls Book I: The Rise of the Dorkasaurus. I give this book 5 stars and a 10 a funny book.
December 15, 2012
This book is definitely one that would appeal to middle and secondary school students. While there is much fun and adventure, life lessons are clear and valuable. The ending is not perfect and everyone doesn't become friends, but it is happy and everything works out well. The Nerd Girls come out ahead but not in the way you might expect. The descriptions of the scholastic competition so very true to life, and I say that as a former teacher of gifted/talented classes and academic coach. Situations like in the book really do happen and there are frustrations in academic competitions just like in sports. The humor will catch the attention of students and the story is far from preachy.
August 31, 2012
Allergic Alice, who's allergic to everything, thinks perhaps her allergies are psychosomatic. Beanpole Barbara is still bonking into everything. And Maureen is still sarcastic and chubby. The three are also still battling the ThreePees (pretty, popular, perfect) and their actions get the principal involved - who forces them to enter an academic challenge.
Better than The Rise of the Dorkasaurus
Better than The Rise of the Dorkasaurus
October 19, 2013
I thought the book had a fun style. There were also tender moments. It had some interesting family dynamics too. I liked the compettition and how some of the characters were really in their element. I could identify most with the character by name Barbara aka Beanpole. I could also relate a lot to Sofes. I never read the first book and was able to follow this just fine. I purchased it to particpate in a group read here at goodreads where the author participated.
November 18, 2012
Received through Goodreads-First Reads. I loved this book... there were times when I recognized a familiar TV or movie, but the overall story was great. The best part of this book are the characters... I want to be friends with them in real life!! The ending was unpredictable and realistic, not a fairytale expectation. Middle and high school-ers will enjoy this because the things that happen to the characters, happen in real life... with the same emotions.
October 30, 2012
Stayed up til midnight finishing "Nerd Girls" (thanks to having power!) A good read, with lots of little twists and tales to keep the reader hooked on their feud with the ThreePees.
There are a ton of put downs and unkindness on the parts of most of the girls, which I hate to think is typical for friendships. I am extremely happy Sofes turned out okay in the end!
There are a ton of put downs and unkindness on the parts of most of the girls, which I hate to think is typical for friendships. I am extremely happy Sofes turned out okay in the end!
March 1, 2014
Many times I read the second book in a series and I think, "The author should've stopped while he was ahead. But not this time. The nerd girls, once again, had me lol-ing throughout the book. Maureen and her crew of misfits kept me reading well into the night, and I must say it was rather nice to see the Nerd Girls come out on top once again. A must read.
July 13, 2014
tried to listen but the reader's voice was grating on my nerves. This is also true for the main character, Maureen. Nothing much to like/identify with and much of the language seemed more adult than tween/teen like.
nope not for me
nope not for me
December 5, 2012
It was good. At least it gave me a good sense of sarcasm.
Read
December 18, 2012Couldn't get into it.
June 18, 2013
The first one was much better.
January 11, 2014
Really, Really, Really funny! I enjoyed it VERY much!!!!!
July 28, 2014
This book was somewhat relatable
October 29, 2015
I thought this book would be a bit boring at fist but trust me if you continue to read more. It gets so interesting. Love it!
June 7, 2016
so full of fat jokes that i couldn't get past chapter2. :(
Read
June 10, 2016Funny book work a happy ending.
October 31, 2016
In the second Nerd Girls book the three pees are back and this time after getting in trouble two times by the principal they have to perform in the academic se
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews