Losers Take All

by David Klass

At Jack Logan's sports-crazy New Jersey high school, the new rule is that all kids must play on a team. So Jack and a ragtag group of anti-athletic friends decide to get even. They are going to start a rebel JV soccer team whose mission is to avoid victory at any cost, setting out to secretly undermine the jock culture of the school. But as the team's losing formula becomes increasingly successful at attracting fans and attention, Jack and his teammates are winning in ways they never expected and don't know how to handle.

"Losers Take All" by David Klass is a fresh and funny novel that throws out all the rules of high school sports. After all, if you can't win the game, change the rules."

Genres: Young Adult, Sports, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, High School, Humor, Teen

336 pages, Library Binding

First published October 20, 2015

About the author

David Klass is the author of many young adult novels, including You Don’t Know Me, Dark Angel, and Firestorm (The Caretaker Trilogy). He is also a Hollywood screenwriter, having written more than twenty-five action screenplays, including Kiss the Girls, starring Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd, Walking Tall, starring The Rock, and Desperate Measures, starring Michael Keaton and Andy Garcia. Klass grew up in a family that loved literature and theater—his parents were both college professors and writers—but he was a reluctant reader, preferring sports to books. But he started loving the adventure stories his parents would bring home from the library—particularly Jack London, Robert Louis Stevenson and Alexandre Dumas. After his sister twice won a story contest in Seventeen magazine, Klass decided he would win it too, and when he was a senior in high school, he did, publishing his first story, “Ringtoss,” in the magazine. He studied at Yale University, where he won the Veech Award for Best Imaginative Writing. He taught English in Japan, and wrote his first novel, The Atami Dragons, about that experience. He now lives in New York with his wife and two children.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidk...

Reviews

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that will have you laughing so hard you will be crying tears and holding your stomach. I mean I come from a house of athletes and I played Soccer and did Track so I was always busy with practice and school work and games so when I read about Jack I laughed so hard because lord have mercy he hates sports and does not want to made to be a part of any team.

So he comes up with a great idea so he thinks and that is to create his own team and lose every game. Then they will not have to be locked into the whole school sports thing but it back fires on him and what unfolds is a hilarious story that will have you on the end of your seat waiting to flip the page to find out what happens next.

If you played sports or like sports or hate sports this is the book to read because it is hilarious and will have you picturing you are there with Jack and the team.

[Rachel Rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Losers Take All is a 2018-2018 preliminary nominee for both the Gateway and the Truman Readers awards. It is about a group of seniors at a high school where sports participation is mandatory for seniors, so they decide to form their own team, dedicated to fun and the art of losing.

This was a fun read, although it does touch on serious themes: divorce, bullying, friendship, and what matters most. I really enjoyed it. Parts of it are a little over the top, but that's part of its charm.

[Kirsti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this random pick! I decided to grab whatever book from my to-read pile that caught my eye first, and it happened to be this. I haven't read any contemporary YA for a while, and I also rarely read sports books but this one was a whole lot of fun!

Jack is from a 'sporting' family, and with two older brothers ahead of him who both excelled at High School Sports, he should be a star himself. Except he's not. He hates sport, especially Football, but when his school chooses a Sports fanatic for a principal and HE decides all seniors must participate in team sports, Jack is forced into something he doesn't want to do. The Losers are created, and the book takes a hilarious turn.

Loved this, even if Sport is not for me. I appreciate the Losers so much. Four stars!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**

Losers Take All put a huge smile on my face. It was funny, heartwarming, different, and full of love-ably quirky characters. At Jack's school, they are sports OBSESSED. Their last principal keeled over in the middle of a school run, and their new principal is even worse. He has decreed that all seniors must take part in a school sport team. Jack's friends band together to form a C soccer team, and make a pack that they will always lose. I thought their act of "rebellion" was pretty funny. And what happens after is even funnier.

Jack's father was a huge sports legend at his high school and he is still a town hero, so I know that must have been hard for Jack at home. I really liked how David Klass used sports and social media/school politics in Losers Take All. It is a parody of sorts, full of humor but not so far removed from real life. I could see something like this happening today. The pressure from schools, parents and even social perception to join all the clubs and teams and to be well rounded, which means playing a sport, and doing something artsy, and something academic, etc. Don't get me wrong- I love sports, but I think you should want to play them if you are going to join a team. Call me crazy.

Losers Take All is a book that will have you laughing, have you cheering and rooting for the most love-able group of teens. I love that this book is told from a male character's point of view. Jack is great. And watching his act of rebellion turn into something more was really special for me. Watching Jack and the rest of the team play soccer was a highlight as well. They were a hoot. I think there is something for everyone in Losers Take All. Some romance, some sports triumphs, lots of sports fails, and so many laughs. Whether you are a sports fanatic or if you don't even know the difference between a tennis ball and a golf ball, check out Losers Take All. It will put a smile on your face.


This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

[Zachary Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theme: One possible theme for this story is friendship is very helpful. (Jack is the main character) In many situations during the story Jack's girlfriend Becca has helped him out and so has his other friends like Frank and Dylan. When Jack got emotionally hurt by his father he just ran until he found Becca who ended up helping him feel better and more calm.

[Rachel Auer · Rating 2 out of 5]

At times, this was exactly the book I needed. At other times, it was so stupid I really couldn't suspend my belief another second.

The beginning was strong. Jack wanting to create this team as an F You to the football coach and the new rules at school and even to his dad was good. I also liked his and Becca's relationship. But what really threw me off were two things.

1. The fact that Jack gets asked to be on some adult soccer league for one good drive down the field is a little unbelievable. I understand that this team was getting national news, but they didn't even use that as an underlying reason. If they had admitted that Jack was picked because he was the best on this Loser team, then he ended up being able to hold his own, I would've bought that. But his talent alone did not seem to be enough.
2. The fact that Coach Percy admitted to trying to seduce Becca, a 17-year-old girl and student at the school he teaches at, PLUS the fact that Jack did not seem the least bit phased by it, is ridiculous. Coach Percy acts as if Jack already knows about him holding Becca's hand and writing her a sonnet (which... ew.), and Jack just acts a little jealous later about it and shakes his hand in the moment. It only had one moment later on where Jack calls him out on it, but even then it's not because he really thinks it's wrong, he just wants to get back in the game. This threw the whole book's credibility off. I could look past some of the things like fat-shaming or making fun of "losers" because I thought it was coming from Jack's perspective, but this whole Coach Percy thing really makes me feel a little gross about David Klass's thoughts.

I would not suggest reading this book. It did distract me from the more serious books I was reading before this, but I'm glad I only spent $1 on it at the Dollar Tree.

[Justine Ridder · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

All I could think about when I was reading this book was what would have happened if this really happened at my high school?! Jack Logan's high school recently got a new principal that requires all seniors to participate in at least one sport. Jack Logan's father is a famous high school football player who almost made it to the pros but a freak accident banished those dreams. His father has pushed Jack to try all sports, but nothing ever seemed to fit him. Jack is furious about this new rule along with all of his uncoordinated, un-athletic friends. They decide to start their own soccer team, The Losers. Their goal is to have the shortest practices, fewest games and to simply have fun.

This book really did make me laugh out loud at parts with these quirky characters . Jack's team becomes proud of their art of losing which infuriates their principal. In their first soccer game, the goalie literally falls asleep in the middle of the match, there's multiple head on collisions with teammates, someone vomits on the field, someone falls into the nearby pond and almost drowns...just to name a few! Along with these hilarious moments, there is also a lot of serious issues going on in this book (divorce, bullying, friendship, violence).

I have a feeling this will become a favorite for many teens out there. I think this one will be a real competitor for the Golden Sower 2018-2019!

[Kian Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Losers Take All by David Klass is a teen fiction novel about a group of nerds in an athletic
powerhouse of a high school. When a football coach also becomes the principal the school
policy is changed. All seniors must play a sport. The main character, Jack Logan, is the son of a
Fremont High All Star football player. He never really played sports but with the new policy that
changed, he got forced to join a school soccer team. The external problem is that jack is forced
to join a sports team while the internal conflict is his dad wants him to keep the legacy going of
the Logan’s being amazing at football but he hates sports. I liked this book because it wasn’t just
a ordinary sports book where the player is bad at sports and get good but instead puts you in the
feet of someone who hates sports but gets forced to do them. In my opinion this is definitely
worth a read even know it was a little slow at times. The one thing I did not like about the book
was the ending, it just left us off like an unfinished thought, it just didn’t feel right. This book is
realistic fiction because it could happen but it’s made up. I think middle schoolers would like this
because it’s not hard to read, and not that in-depth. Also I think this book is geared more towards
boys because it’s written about a boy and I just don’t think that many girls would like this book

[Nina O'Daniels · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this a cautionary tale for all those sports loving coaches and kids or just a reminder to all those sports loving coaches and kids that there is more out there? Jack Logan’s family are sports legend at his jock heavy high school, that is all except him. He’s just never really gotten into it and has plenty of other things that keep him busy and happy. So, when the school’s principal suddenly dies in the middle of a race at school and the football coach is hired as his replacement, not being athletic isn’t going to be an excuse anymore. Principal Muhldinger, a sports fanatic, implements a new rule at school: all seniors now have to participate in a sport in order to graduate. But Jack and his friends aren’t going to just roll over and take it. They’ll join a sport but don’t expect them to try. No one ever said they had to win, right? Quick and easy feel good read.

[Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Losers Take All by David Klass is a teen fiction novel about a ragtag group of misfits in an athletic powerhouse of a high school. When a football coach also becomes the principal the school policy is changed. All seniors must play a sport. The main character, Jack Logan, is the son of a Fremont High All Star football player. He never really played sports but with the new policy that changed. He and his soccer team are determined to make a statement. And to do so they planned on losing all of their games in a comedic fashion.
Losers Take All might be worth the read. The plot and beginning were good, but the book seemed a little lacking in the end. The book used basic words and made it seem a little boring at times. Along with that it seemed like there were too many unanswered questions in the final chapter about how things turned out for each of the characters.

[Lydia D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this book 3 stars, but deserves 3.5 stars in my opinion. It was a fine book, but not very complex or connecting.
I liked the sports aspect of this book and that the characters had to work hard to overcome challenges. I liked how they worked together to come up with ways to solve their problems. The plot was interesting and kept building. It had many twists and unexpected turns. I would not be eager to recommend this book. There are many better. For someone in middle school, they may enjoy it more, though.
I did not like how simple it was. There were a lot of events and much going on. There was a good plot, but the story was on the surface. It didn’t go in depth creating structure, meaning, and connecting with your heart. It wasn’t a book that was a joy to find out what was happening, I wanted to read it to get it done. There was suspension, but not care.
I learned some things from this book. I learned that it’s important to be kind to others. I learned that once bad things start to happen, they will keep growing if you don’t take care of the issue right away. I learned that forgiveness is valuable and the more you stay connected and communicate with people, the better. Also, sports are not all life is about. This book was good, but there are many better ones.

[Carlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this novel! I didn't realize at first that this novel was written by David Klass, which may have impacted my choice to read it. The reason that I say this is because I didn't like the last novel that I read from David Klass. However, I am glad that I picked up this novel. I did like the characters. I thought that there was more to Jack than what met to eye, and the depth of his character was what really made the story as good as it was. I also appreciated the side characters and what they each had to offer. There was a slight emphasis on relationships in this novel, but I wouldn't consider it the main theme. I definitely appreciated the author's attention to Jack's dynamic with his father because this made the story deeper and slightly more relatable. There was more conflict rooted in the character's familial relationships more so than the friendships. This isn't really a pro or a con, it's just an aspect of note. The plot was really good. I think that this was a fun concept, and the idea made the novel a lot of fun. There was a nice progression, and I think that the author had a good point in his exploration of how what may seem like a simple event can spiral into something much bigger. I was entertained through most of the novel. It did take me a little longer to read this book than I had wanted to. It just did feel slow at times. I thought that the ending was fitting and hopeful. There was some cursing in this novel and some violence. However, there wasn't really any sexual content, and definitely nothing explicit. This book probably fits best in the YA category because it does try to get deep. However, there is nothing wildly inappropriate for a middle grade reader. I do recommend this novel. I thought that it was interesting, light, and just what I needed right now. I may pick up more from this author in the future, but I'm not necessarily going to seek him out.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losers Take All is absolutely hilarious. If you love sport or hate it (or even sit somewhere in between) you will love this book. This is for all the people who sit and watch while others take the "glory" of the big win. Or maybe it's for those who have been burnt by sport, seen the darker side of competition. Whatever your story, readers will love this fun-for-all, take-no-prisoners tale of friendship, family, high school and sport. I dare you to read it and not break into side-splitting laughter.



Jack's school is known for its dominance in sport, particularly football. But things go a bit far when a new school rule is introduced: all students must join a sports team. Jack and his friends, along with a band of althetically challenged misfits create a c-grade, co-ed soccer team. Their goal is not to win but simply be true to themselves, and maybe survive this school term without major injury. But no one is more surprised than the team when their style becomes an internet sensation and sparks a mini revolution against sport-based violence and bullying.

When I say this book is hilarious I mean it. And not just a few funny lines here or there, but total out of control laughter funny. Some parts read like the funniest blooper reel and that's just from the first two minutes of the team's first game. But while I knew this was going to be a fun read, I was surprised at its depth. There are some serious issues covered, everything from family breakdown and parental expectation, to addressing bullying, abuse and violence.

Jack provides the narration and is an authentic male teen voice. He doesn't set out to prove he has anything against sports. In fact, he comes from a family who has a proud sporting history. He's not some big hater. Actually, he wouldn't mind trying to win and has a fair bit of talent. So when the team becomes famous for losing it challenges him. It challenges his friendships, his relationship with his dad and even his goals for the future. I loved hanging with his friends and team mates, from Frank who proves he really can sleep standing up and Coach Percy, the ageing Latin teacher with surprisingly effective pep talks based on historic battles. They are a group of such interesting personalities and are totally loveable. High school crushes, laughs, injuries, mid-field collisions and confronting the school's whole social structure. Look out, here they come.

And then there is Principal Muhldinger. Self proclaimed sports god, high school football coach and now principal. It is from him that comes the new mandatory sport rule. Oh my gosh, what an absolute .... I don't have words for how awful and completely out of line he is.

There is a small touch of romance in this book. It's not a huge focus, but provides a sweetness and, again, a depth to the story. It perfectly compliments and balances this tale.

I was kind of worried about how the story would develop. How could it finish? Would the team get better and have to purposely lose? I was happy to discover that the whole thing flows perfectly. I loved the end. I loved every minute of this fantastic book, the characters, and the message.

This is the new thing in sports fiction, where being the losers is far cooler than it first may seem.

Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extra star for exceeded expectation.

I grew up in a football home. Each year fell into three sections: high school football (where my Dad coached and my brother played quarterback), college football (where my cousin played in the Big Ten), and pro football (our house was divided into three camps: Packers, Jets, and Buccaneers.) The schedule drove me crazy. Just as one finished, another picked up. Between practices and games, I barely saw my Dad from June to November. When it came to picking a college, I decided to get out of the football world. I went to a school where there was no college football team, where no one spoke of the Big Ten in reverent tones, and where their pro-football team was so bad they pretended they didn't have one (sorry, Tennessee.) I was going to escape football cold turkey.
Then I made a shocking discovery. I could run from one part, but there was no escaping sports as a whole. My lovely little get away school was obsessed with soccer and basketball and (provided they were having a good season) baseball. It drove me crazy.
Football didn't look so bad after a while.
Funny thing is, I'm now actually quite fond on the sport (GO PACKERS!) It just took stepping away from it for a while to appreciate balance.
I didn't expect Losers Take All to have balance. I expected a typical underdogs story where lovable scamps discover hidden talent and win state Mighty Ducks style. Or, as the book promised a truly horrendous team rebelling against a sports-crazy high school, a scathing review of sports in general. The book doesn't fit in one camp or another, though. Its subtle and funny and actually has a really good overall lesson about pursuing talents, having fun, and leading a revolution (of sorts.)
The story took a while to get started and I still couldn't tell Jack's two buddies apart by the end of the book, but I truly appreciated the ending. I appreciated the clean YA romance and lack of language. I appreciate teens struggling with real problems and expectations and learning to stand strong, but not in a cheesy way.
I appreciate this one the way I appreciate Cricket Man and Good Enough. Its a book in the YA genre that connects the emotions and frustrations of teens but doesn't blow it out of proportion. It dramatically and yet realistically pulls together common experiences to create a wry, appreciative story about life and sports and what it means to win.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I picked this book up because I'm always looking for something I think my guy readers can enjoy. I wasn't really looking forward to reading it, but, boy, was I in for a surprise. I finished this book in just a couple of hours, and for the first time in my life I preordered a book in June that wasn't coming out until October. My students have to have this book! Contrary to what I thought, this isn't a book that will just have a message for my guys - this is a book that any YA reader can embrace. Are my sports readers going to enjoy a book about a team who is proud to lose? Why, yes, they are because there is actually a lot of sports action. Football and soccer games are tightly narrated with all the tension of a hometown game. So, will that alienate the non-athletes? No, because as my football/soccer coach husband can attest, I have almost no real knowledge of sports. I only had to ask one question. Translation: If I can read and enjoy this, anyone can. Yeah, but this is a guy book, isn't it? Actually, the narrative voice is male, but there is a strong female character that plays a significant role in the story. All of the significant characters have depth and that something that makes them feel like real people. Plus, the themes transcend gender and age. If you've ever attended a high school, you will relate to something in this book. So why would anyone want to read it? It's smart and really pretty funny, and it tackles a lot of issues that everyone could stand to think about. Of course this book asks what it means to win or lose, but it also tackles sports culture in American high schools, bullying, social media, living for yourself, and friendship. These kids are looking for a way to avoid a stupid school requirement, but they are pretty strong in the face of adversity. I don't think anyone could read this book and not end up cheering for this strange and hilarious mix of oddballs as they take losing to another level. This is a well written, well plotted book with complex characters and conflicts. It's not perfect, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I can't wait to share it with anyone I can get to hold still long enough to listen. Language and situations are pastorate for grades seven plus, but interest level is high school and beyond.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Losers Take All was actually a good read for me. I would recommend this book definitely if you like a small laugh, nerdy teens, and a hint of family drama. If you love that small-town sports drama then this book is for you.
Liking this book is such a shocking feeling because I'm not much of a sports reader If so I prefer Highschool rival love books.

***spoilers***


The beginning was slow to me and the repetition of Logan's family history and the Logan express didn't help. Maybe it felt slow to me because this wasn't the type of book I normally read. I'm happy that I kept with it though because I can not deny that this book had its hilarious and shocking moments.

A lot of the reviews hyped this book up way, more than they should of. This book is good but not great.

Also, this book did so-so with time management but it had just enough spotlight on Becca & Jack's relationship. Wish it gave more spotlight to the characters but it did give enough to envision them on the field.

My only issue with this book was that they didn't resolve anything with the football team or the "muscle-head principle" Before Muhldinger passed the rule that all seniors must join a sports team. They supported their football team and were even at the track games/school sports events. So, I didn't like that Klass didn't give the football team a second chance. Maybe I'm just too sympathetic, but I felt that Muhldinger learned his lesson and deserved a chance at redemption. They once cheered for this man as the coach why such hard feelings now? He lost his girl, so he married football, he lost football now what does he got now?


The ending was rushed, way too rushed. No matter how badly I wanted The Losers to win, not everything's a fairytale story. I get that, but the least Klass could of gave us was the parents rushing the field. Jack's dad telling Jack he was proud of him, the scout giving Jack the nod, Ed telling Rob he was proud but in an awkward dad way, Becca's parents hugging her while Emily stood on the sideline looking uncomfortable. I don't know I just felt like the ending lacked that wow factor, but I'm not saying it isn't good just lacked in some places or I'm just picky. lol

[Shae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically, a fun, quick read.

THINGS I LIKED:

-The premise. I was lured in by the premise, honestly. Maybe because it sounded similar to the plot of Fall Out Boy's "Irresistible" music video? In any case, I thought the concept of losers who win by losing to be charming, and the story itself played out in a charming, 1990s kids sports movie kind of way. Actually, all I really want right now is to dig up a copy of The Big Green.

-The characters. Specifically, I liked the way the characters were depicted in that there were nice nuances and shades of gray. I was afraid the coach/principal/arch villain and Jack's dad were going to be clones of each other--football-obsessed meat heads with a winning obsession and a short fuse--but it wasn't like that at all. Nor were the other characters, from Jack's friends to their nerdy coach Percy, allowed one dimensionality either.

-The side glances at other issues. I liked that the story looked at other issues as well, like bullying and media fanaticism and the like. Like those 90s movies I love so much, the story as a whole remained pretty light, so a full glare would've only bogged things down.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:

-The throwaways. That said, I do think the text could've afforded to get its hands dirty in a few places and actually dealt with the emotional fallout. Like Jack and his dad's fight in the basement. Or the fact that there were at least two other school soccer teams that weren't mentioned. Ever. (Seriously, how big IS this school?) Or the fact that the moms were pretty much nonentities. Or the SONNET. Ugh, the freaking sonnet. Can't spoil what that one's about, but I haaaaaaaaaaaate its very existence. All in all, I felt like there was a great deal of potential emotional heft that was being brushed aside.

-The loose ends. Some of the loose ends were really nice. Life isn't neat, and high school even less so. However, so many little things felt very unresolved, and it made the story feel sloppier than it should.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Klass is one of my all-time favorite authors. Hands down, he's one of the best. This book is no exception. I'd recommend it to anyone who considers sports overrated or likes a good underdog story. 4 stars for the abrupt ending and sloppy resolution. I typically give 5 for every one of Klass's books, but he should have resolved some of the plot's loose ends.

Muhldinger deserved a moment of redemption.

Did Jack impress the college scout?

What happened to the mysterious arsonists?

Did we ever learn who locked Fremont in the Keep?

Could Jack and his dad have had a better final moment, in which Jack's dad actually accepts him for who he is and quits pushing him to play sports? I felt like Jack was still trying to impress his dad and be someone he's wasn't, even till the last page.

I understand some of the mysteries above are better left open-ended, but Muhldinger's
ending angered me most. So sad. I think if he and the Lions had shown up to the final match to cheer on the Losers, it would have been fitting.

Also, didn't like the last moment between Percy and Jack. In the end, Jack uses blackmail to get what he wants? And Percy ends up being kind of a creep? I didn't care for that too much... a totally underdeveloped plot point that should have been a much bigger issue....

Like I said, I love Klass! He's an amazing writer and I still LOVED this book. I guess I just wanted more development. I loved the undertones of social issues, like how obsessive sports culture leads to bullying and undervaluing academics. I loved the friendships and the hilarious sports shenanigans. Heck, I even adored the action-packed sports descriptions, which Klass nails! I just thought the last fifty or so pages could have been developed better. It all felt rushed and unfinished to me.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

***This book is a nominee for the 2017-18 Golden Sowers Novels List.***

So, I liked this book. I really did. But it wasn't anything amazing. And at times I had the same issues I had with Klass' other book Grandmaster . The characters lacked a depth that I need as a reader to make connections with them and feel like I care what happens to them. In this book, the relationship between Becca and Jack feels like it was only included because someone told Klass that there should be a relationship. Their conflicts didn't even seem to bother Jack that much, so why would I care if she was being insincere? But, it was a solid story about the idea of what it means to be on a team, if you should care about putting forth the effort to compete, and who gets to write the narrative of what it means to be in school.

Jack Logan comes from THE sports family in town. Now that it's his senior year at Muscle High, he's glad it's almost over. Being from the sports family in town while not playing on any sports is enough to make him feel out of place. But then the new principal lays down the new rules: all seniors must participate in a sport. Mandatory in order to graduate. So Jack and some of his other non-athlete friends start a C-level soccer team with the goal of having fun, and most importantly, losing.

But, as the season goes on, it becomes clear that the others in school won't let them just have a season of fun. And the rest of the country starts to realize that the Losers are a bit of a revolution in the school. As some say though, for every revolution, there is always a counterrevolution. And things start to get complicated.

[Tommy Kovathana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loser takes all is a book that takes sports and put some humor and humiliation
in it. The story takes place in a sports heavy school where the best athletes are born. The school isn't really known for their academics. The main character named Jack is a senior at this school. He is the youngest in his family with his dad and two older brothers as super athletes. Which causes Jack problems because he isn't into sports as much as they are.

I thought that the book was very realistic and felt like I could relate to many
characters and situations described in the book. I highly enjoyed the little side stories, conflicts, and relationships that go on with the main character. It really relates to a real person's life. I thought the development of the characters throughout the story wasn't too fast, but wasn't too slow. I thought it was just right. It is hard to say what was bad about the book because it met or exceeded expectations that I had set .The theme that the author was trying to portray is that don't let other people change who you are, if they think you should change then they should change. This is a really important message to take especially to the youth of the world to and those who go through schools.

Overall I gave this book a 5 star rating mainly by the reality factor and plot. A
person who might like this book would have some kind of interest in sports or realistic fiction. Even if you don't like sports, the book doesn't require any knowledge of sports, but uses it to drive the plot.

[Jeffrey · Rating 1 out of 5]

What happened here?

David Klass' Loser Take All starts out pretty good and even has a couple of really great aspects. The book has a cool premise, is fairly engaging, is often quite humorous, and even has fantastic sports action scenes. I am not a soccer fan, and yet I found myself completely caught up in the some of the best soccer action descriptions. This is a feel-good-book with a pretty good story, AND THEN with fifty pages left to go it turns out that virtuous and cool-nerdy-teacher-soccer-coach had a budding romantic relationship with a female student (one of the main characters).

WHAT? This is not an issue book. Although if it were, the issues would be bullying and misplaced priorities in schools. Not teacher/student romantic relationships. And if Klass wanted to make it an issue book about this issue, it can't be done in the last fifty pages. Way too big of a topic. On top of which, these events do not seems to be of any real consequence except that the teacher is sort of blackmailed to put in an injured soccer player to try for a win. That's it? Okay, if a teacher writes a love sonnet to a student and takes a romantic walk with the student, holding her hand, this is such a colossal lapse in judgement (if not a moral breach) that the teacher should be fired and barred from future employment as a teacher (I say this as a public school teacher.). Instead he goes off into the sunset (sunrise, actually since he goes to England) to a new teaching position.

Seriously?

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars for the premise: a sports book that is critical of the negative parts of sports culture (bullying, emphasis on athletics over academics in schools, violence, etc.) while still embracing the positive (fitness, teamwork, competition). I like that it's an easy, accessible read that both boys and girls can enjoy, and that it at least tries to balance social issues with comedy. The things that I didn't enjoy (and I reeeeeeally didn't enjoy them) are all things that I'm guessing the target audience will not be bothered by: the ridiculous implausibility of a C-league soccer player on a losing team who has never played before being suddenly recruited by Rutgers; one-note characters like Evil Football Coach and Weirdo Student Who Does Nothing But Shout Nonsequiturs; and the mere existence of THE SONNET. No spoilers, but if you've read the book you know what I'm talking about. To throw that in at the end as if it is just a small indiscretion rather than a CRIME is disturbing and irresponsible.

[Abbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, I am not going to do a full review on the blog because I am feeling conflicted about this one. It was funny and engaging, but there were so many loose ends and things that didn't make sense. First of all, the a head football coach who isn't even a certified teacher is weird enough, but promoting that coach to principal is completely ridiculous. Then a kid who hasn't played soccer since he was little and only barely then can suddenly play like an all star?

What really knocks it down to two stars for me is the sudden revelation that a teacher has been flirting with the idea of a relationship with a student--holding hands, writing sonnets. Then it's just brushed aside with "Oh, that's weird."

It definitely had its funny moments, but overall I wouldn't recommend it.

[Taylor Golembiewski]

Jack Logan goes to Fremont High School. Fremont is filled with trophies and broken records from his brothers and dad. Jack's dad Tom Logan is a living legacy. Jack doesn't really like sports. Everyone expects him to be great but he's not. The new principle is making all the seniors play a sport. All the non-athletes are making a C class soccer team and they are going to try to lose every game. By doing that the get a little more attention then they expected. If you like any type of sport books then you'll love this book.

[Konni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AWESOME! I devoured it. In a school where sports rule everything, a group of determined losers set out to prove a point and do so much more. Jack and his friends put together a ragtag soccer team after their principal declares every senior must be out for a sport. But this team is different. They are out to prove that winning isn't everything and the culture of their sports crazy school and town is forever changed.

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why do so many YA authors come up with a good plot, and then manage to sabotage it in the last third to quarter?

Great premise, engaging characters, but things get weirder and weirder until you can no longer suspend your disbelief. And what I will call "the sonnet episode," took this from a 3.5 (it started as a 4) to a 3.

This has inspired a whole new book shelf for me.

[Tam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good:
- Klass knows his way around sports and master at describing plays and actions
- Jack and his father's relationship development is superb. Klass captures the struggle of teenagers to juggle personal pride, legacy, and self identity as well as features well rounded adult figures. I especially like the portrayal of how "I want what's best for you" could be pushy and controlling. The interactions between Jack and his family are realistic, though I wish we could have seen more of the brothers. Also great resolution.
- Interesting background characters especially Percy and Shlomsky
- Amusing at some parts, especially at the game scenes
- Portrayal of bullying not limited to jocks. Loved when Jack's friends turn on him for scoring.
- Unstereotypical Jack is not jealous of Rob for getting close to Becca. Kudos!

Bad:
- In the first half of the book, it was like Klass didn't know how to describe people so he copped out with cliched sayings to convey their tone ex. Coach looked at me like he was telling me "get your head in the game." It can be chalked up to humor, but if features like this stick out too much in your writing, it's a problem.
- Fake deep quotes. None of the quotes used by Percy, Becca, or Shlomsky felt compelling or relevant to the plot. The quotes were just there to prove the intelligence of some characters--and by extension, the author.
- Becca's entire character. You can tell Klass is unused to writing women. You can argue that it's through Jack's pov, but seriously, didn't need that many descriptions of what she was wearing. Esquetrian in New Jersey, seriously? Intelligence, advanced vocabulary, and ambitions turned to jokes so we can laugh and say haha no one understands what she's saying. Undeveloped divorce storyline to garner angst and sympathy points for her but I literally found all the romantic parts between her and Jack to be boring and superficial. Literally only dated the guy for a few weeks and you love him? I don't buy it. To top it all off she was manipulative--spreading his personal story and using him to escape the drama of her daily life, and she gets away with all of it, which, would have at least been interesting if that were her motivations, but it was like the author couldn't decide what to do with her so he stuck her with traits and a subpar storyline and then--hey wait a minute, this is a teen sport novel that needs a happy ending, so what the heck, let's just have them kiss and make up and not talk anything through.
- Jack should not have been the main character. He's too passive and the novel never addresses his passivity. His entire conflict is narrowed down to his father and finding his niche. He never knows what's going on behind the scenes about the revolution at Fremont High, which, considering the book advertises that he's the leader of the soccer club, feels like a cop out.
- The novel doesn't have a conflict. The "bullying culture" and "revolution" feels background to divorce telenovela and Troy Bolton in the foreground. None of the characters did any "work" for their ending i.e. no training scenes, nothing with how Jack's side soccer gig is going, hey we tied Lynton though after buffooning our way through the soccer season!
- Underutilized characters: everyone not the main two.
- The romance subplot is despicable and took everything this book could have been and replaced it with night horse rides through golf courses.

The point is there was a good premise for a great book, but it was poorly executed. Don't get me wrong, if you're looking for a quick light hearted read go ahead, but just don't expect to be picking up this book again, much less remembering it a week.

[David Grandbois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author David Klass wrote the book “Losers Take All” with the realism that is what it’s like to hate sports. For me personally, it was somewhat relatable and sometimes the hardest to relate to. I am a sports geek, knowing everything about football and playing soccer like it’s my job. Even with that, Klass wrote this with great composure. I felt none of the characters were rushed into a role where it would made the overall book end up unenjoyable. The main character is Jack Logan, who is consistently plagued by the fact that his father was one injury away from being in the NFL. We’re introduced to other characters like Rob, Dylan, and Frank. They all attend Fremont High School, which is supposedly the most sports-out school in America.

We later find out about Becca, who Hack has been fantasizing about for years. One day at the beach, they agree to go to a movies and their relationship further escalates. Fremont’s Principal Arthur Gentry died one day running the track in front of all the students, and would be replaced by meat-head Brian Muhldinger who is also the football coach. Brian used to date Jack’s mom before which is mentioned later. We find out Muhldinger implanted a rule that all seniors (which included every character listed so far) would have to participate in a sport. Jack had history with sports and had been through them, but now he was being forced to do one. He was urged to do football, so he went to a practice with the team where he did fairly decent. That was until he got injured, all of his front teeth were smashed.

Muhldinger told Jack could be on the varsity team, but Jack declined. He hated everything Brian stood for, so Jack and his friends would later go on to play on a C soccer team. The soccer team consisted of: Jack, Frank, Dylan, Zirco, Shimsky, Becca, Meg, Rob (who would join later), Chloe, Pierre, and 5 other people we don’t know. Muhldinger didn’t like the fact that there was a C soccer team and thought it was a waste, and they didn’t even have a coach. So a teacher, Percy, stepped in to be the head coach. He didn’t know anything about soccer though, so the practices were weak, so were all the games. The first game was a disaster, but they went internet famous. Muhldinger started throwing offensive slurs at them on the bus that was captured and was put online. One game, there was many people there in protest supporting anti-bullying. That was sparked because Dylan was attacked by three football players, adding on to the history of bullying at Fremont.

It was so bad, the game was canceled along with the next 2 games of Fremont’s. The last game was against Lynton, and it ended in a 4-4 draw. My opinion on this book: One of the best books I’ve read this year, that’s why I rated it a 5-out-of-5 stars. Nothing is forced, everything flows smoothly between the story and the characters. The ending was a little out of order, it ending quickly might be because they want to make a sequel but I’m not sure if they have yet. The whole structure is phenomenal, its weakest points are the beginning and the end which is expected. The resigning of Muhldinger was also maybe just a little to forced, but not anything excruciating. David Klass deserves 5 stars because this book is Klassy. (I’m so funny)

[Liam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Losers Take All by David Klass is a book that takes place at Fremont High School. This school is very well known for their athleticism. When the coach of the football team becomes the new principal, a new school rule was created which made every student in their senior year have to play on at least one sports team. Unfortunately for Jack Logan, athleticism is not quite his thing. His dad was a super athlete at Fremont High and is known to be one of the cornerstones of the school’s sports culture. Jack’s friend Frank is over six feet tall and avoids all physical activity and is very lazy. Dylan, who is also Jack’s friend, is far more critical of the jock culture than Jack is. And Becca is a pretty girl who is very smart and only cares about her grades. I found out about this book when I was in the library one day looking for a new novel to read, and the librarian came over to me and recommended me to read this book, and I did.

After the school’s old principal died during a track race, the new principal Mr. Muhldinger who is also the coach of the football team created a new school rule which made every student in their senior year have to play on at least one sports team for a whole season. Jack and his unathletic friends have no idea what to do. So they decided to make a C-soccer team (a third string team) and the principal approves. But the thing about this C-team is that their goal is to lose every game they play and not try. The principal enrages and lectures the team saying that they don’t know how to do anything. So principal Muhldinger tries to remove the team but the school board doesn’t let him. The continuously losing soccer team attracts a ton of fans and attention to their games and oddly “win” by losing.

The ending of this book was great. The undefeated soccer team in the area, Lynton High, had tied with the “Losers” which had broke Lynton’s perfect record. And my overall favorite part in the book was when the old principal had died. This is my favorite part because it is what made everything else happen in this book.

Overall, this book was good. It was action filled, humorous, and relevant scene I’m currently in high school. This novel was for sure not my favorite book I’ve read but it was definitely good. Some similar books are Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.

[JeffS · Rating 4 out of 5]

“One, two, three-Losers forever!” In David Klass’s novel “Losers Take All” winning is not everything to a group of kids that decided to make a soccer team because their high school principal made a school rule saying that all the seniors must join a sports team. Fremont High School has been nicknamed “muscle high” for being the best in every sport in the state. The last week of school all the best athletes would go out to the track and run a mile and the entire school would watch. Principal Gentry who is seventy years old ran the mile and tried to break the state record for seventy year olds. When he ran down the final stretch he missed the record by one second. He looked at the clock and then fell over and died. From this tragedy the school decided to carry on his legacy and make the new principal enforce the rule. Jack Logan has been in the shadows of his brothers and father who were arguably the best athletes in school history. However Jack does not want to join a sports team, but the new rule makes him obligated to. Jack and his friends decide to make a C team for soccer and revolt against the principal forcing them to play. This book is about how Jack and his team can make a stand to the world about letting people be themselves. David Klass shows how anyone can make a stand about something and it could impact way more than imagined. This is a great book for people that love sports novels. This book gives you a different feeling than most sports books because instead of someone trying to be a star Jack and his team just want to have fun. Read this book to find out what Jack can do to help his fellow classmates at Fremont High School.