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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.
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.
218 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
1101 people are currently reading
7466 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Spinelli
95 books4,016 followersWhen Jerry Spinelli was a kid, he wanted to grow up to be either a cowboy or a baseball player. Lucky for us he became a writer instead.
He grew up in rural Pennsylvania and went to college at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than 25 books and has six children and 16 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli began writing when he was 16 — not much older than the hero of his book Maniac Magee. After his high school football team won a big game, his classmates ran cheering through the streets — all except Spinelli, who went home and wrote a poem about the victory. When his poem was published in the local paper, Spinelli decided to become a writer instead of a major-league shortstop.
In most of his books, Spinelli writes about events and feelings from his own childhood. He also gets a lot of material from his seven adventurous kids! Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children's book author, live in Pennsylvania.
He grew up in rural Pennsylvania and went to college at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than 25 books and has six children and 16 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli began writing when he was 16 — not much older than the hero of his book Maniac Magee. After his high school football team won a big game, his classmates ran cheering through the streets — all except Spinelli, who went home and wrote a poem about the victory. When his poem was published in the local paper, Spinelli decided to become a writer instead of a major-league shortstop.
In most of his books, Spinelli writes about events and feelings from his own childhood. He also gets a lot of material from his seven adventurous kids! Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children's book author, live in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,135 reviews
February 6, 2008
This is just totally excellent and beautiful. Donald Zinkoff is a really special kid. He doesn't "get" other kids, really, but most of the time he has so much fun with his life that it doesn't really matter. He laughs so hard at words that he thinks are funny that he falls out of his chair and can't breathe. On the first day of every school year, he wants to know how many days of school are left until he graduates from highschool -- not because he can't wait to get out, but because he luxuriates in the notion of all that time. Spinelli introduces us to Zinkoff in such a way that the reader is completely won over, and then he gradually allows real life to intrude: Zinkoff is awesome, but to his classmates, he's a Loser.
What's amazing about this book is that Spinelli allows Zinkoff to hang onto his individuality and the things that make him both awesome and a loser, but the book remains realistic. In the end, Zinkoff is a hero of a sort, but there's no scene where his classmates realize that they were wrong all along, or anything like that. No, he's still picked on. It's just that he's found a way to be ok with himself, and there's a glimmer of hope that not all the kids will always think of him as just Loser.
What's amazing about this book is that Spinelli allows Zinkoff to hang onto his individuality and the things that make him both awesome and a loser, but the book remains realistic. In the end, Zinkoff is a hero of a sort, but there's no scene where his classmates realize that they were wrong all along, or anything like that. No, he's still picked on. It's just that he's found a way to be ok with himself, and there's a glimmer of hope that not all the kids will always think of him as just Loser.
June 11, 2010
I was in the in the 5th or 6th grade when I decided to read this book and read it in one day. I had friends that recommended me this book and told me that the story was great and I should read it too. So I did, but came up with nothing. Not that the book was entirely terrible, but I just could not see what everyone else did. Although I read it in a matter of hours, I did not enjoy one bit of the book. For the most part, I didn't really care. No I am not heartless, but this story had no aim. The only thing I remember from that book was him cracking up at the word "jabip" (whatever that was supposed to mean), and him going crazy for snickerdoodle cookies, and more 3rd person perspective rambling about stuff that was highly unentertaining. I got bored quickly and lost interest in whatever it was Spinelli was trying to say. Whether this book had a real moral or not, I still think of this book as plotless, disapointing and had no magic whatsoever if he that's what he was trying to create. This book was alsp along with uninteresting, really sad. It had potential to be heart warming and out of this world outstanding, but there were no moments where Zinkoff made an impact on another persons life but his own. So since there were no special moments that caught my eye, this book went down the drain for me.
June 3, 2008
Do we ever relise what really makes a person a loser or a geek. well i don't know about everyone but i know that i have judged before i even knew what that person was all about. Sometimes the biggest loser in your class can be your best friend. I mean we all try to be what other people want us to be instead of being faithfull to outselves. When it get's to that point we don't think of it as changing we think of it as a life style. that what this book is about seeing that when you change yourself you aren't just hurting yourself your leaving the people that loved you for who you are.This is a good book if you want to see what i have relised.
August 28, 2008
With a name like LOSER, I really expected to hate this book and feel sorry for the main character throughout the entire story.
The story is written with an omniscient narrator, and even though the plot could focus on the kids that teased Zinkoff, it focuses on Zinkoff's positive attitudes despite his peers, instead.
My favorite chapter was about Zinkoff's day shadowing his father in his job as a mailman. He was so happy to get to deliver the mail... it was so cute!
I'm reading this book with my advisory class. I want them to love it as much as I did.
The story is written with an omniscient narrator, and even though the plot could focus on the kids that teased Zinkoff, it focuses on Zinkoff's positive attitudes despite his peers, instead.
My favorite chapter was about Zinkoff's day shadowing his father in his job as a mailman. He was so happy to get to deliver the mail... it was so cute!
I'm reading this book with my advisory class. I want them to love it as much as I did.
March 10, 2015
zinkoff, The dreamer and simply boy I love him and,
It is realy good book for the bedtime day after day to the children :)
It is realy good book for the bedtime day after day to the children :)
May 2, 2011
Intial reaction is the book was disappointing. I read this after reading Schooled by Korman which also was very dissappointing so that could have affected my reaction to this book.
Frist off this book is a character study and I perfer books with plot. The book also like Schooled is about a character who is above the negative opinions of his classmates. In fact like Schooled Don Zinkoff seems is clueless that he is being teased.
Loser is slightly better than Schooled in that the teasing is not as obvivous and Don is written to be that clueless. However it is hard to be in sympathy with such a clueless character. The action of the plot is also more believeable.
The problem though I don't understand who this book is for or why? I don't see it be very helpful to a bullied child. Instead the book would probably make them feel worse and see as another example of how clueless adults are about the effects of teasing. As for kids who are bystanders or are bullies I doubt this book would change their attutides.
The books also has a strange narration which had the effect of keeping me at a distance from the story. The story is narrated by an outsider narrator who seems to be witness of the events but, is never in the story. I found the narrator to be a distancing influence.
For dealing with teasing and it effects I perfer Bystander by Preller, Blubber by Blume, and The Girls by Koll.
Frist off this book is a character study and I perfer books with plot. The book also like Schooled is about a character who is above the negative opinions of his classmates. In fact like Schooled Don Zinkoff seems is clueless that he is being teased.
Loser is slightly better than Schooled in that the teasing is not as obvivous and Don is written to be that clueless. However it is hard to be in sympathy with such a clueless character. The action of the plot is also more believeable.
The problem though I don't understand who this book is for or why? I don't see it be very helpful to a bullied child. Instead the book would probably make them feel worse and see as another example of how clueless adults are about the effects of teasing. As for kids who are bystanders or are bullies I doubt this book would change their attutides.
The books also has a strange narration which had the effect of keeping me at a distance from the story. The story is narrated by an outsider narrator who seems to be witness of the events but, is never in the story. I found the narrator to be a distancing influence.
For dealing with teasing and it effects I perfer Bystander by Preller, Blubber by Blume, and The Girls by Koll.
November 26, 2018
/This book is all about bullying and having self-confidence in yourself. Have you ever get bully from other bullies or have you ever felt like you ar//e the bully? Well, if you want to know more about this READ THIS BOOK!!!
October 5, 2015
Loser
Have you ever felt like you were a loser? The genre of "Loser" is realistic fiction because its made with fake characters but it could happen to somebody in real life. My opinion on the book is that its very good because I can relate to the book. Sometimes I can feel like a loser. So, I like it because I can relate to it.
The setting of my book is school & grades in school I know this because the story takes place in school when he was in different grades during his life.The major events of the book where when he was growing and found out he was different from the other people in his school until he found somebody that was weird like him. Its person vs. person because Zinkoff tries to become friends with other people but they reject him because he's weird and different than everybody else. Weird is the theme because he is very different and weirder than everybody else.
The title relates with the book "Loser" because Zinkoff the main character is supposedly a loser because he is different and has no friend do people consider him as a loser because in the text it says "He doesn't know he's not like everybody else"which makes him a loser. The major event of the story was when he finally realized he was not like everybody else so then he tried to change because he didn't have any friends because of his weirdness.
I was surprised when he found a friend weird like him because I never thought he would find someone weird like him and that he would have a friend finally also surprised me.I liked the way the author described the Zinkoff because he said he was weird,different, and curious so he was described different from everybody else he knew.
I would give this book a 4 because i enjoyed it but there were some parts I didn't like about the book.I would recommend this book to my classmates because its a good book even if I didn't like some parts of the book.Do you like loser book if you do this is the book for you
Have you ever felt like you were a loser? The genre of "Loser" is realistic fiction because its made with fake characters but it could happen to somebody in real life. My opinion on the book is that its very good because I can relate to the book. Sometimes I can feel like a loser. So, I like it because I can relate to it.
The setting of my book is school & grades in school I know this because the story takes place in school when he was in different grades during his life.The major events of the book where when he was growing and found out he was different from the other people in his school until he found somebody that was weird like him. Its person vs. person because Zinkoff tries to become friends with other people but they reject him because he's weird and different than everybody else. Weird is the theme because he is very different and weirder than everybody else.
The title relates with the book "Loser" because Zinkoff the main character is supposedly a loser because he is different and has no friend do people consider him as a loser because in the text it says "He doesn't know he's not like everybody else"which makes him a loser. The major event of the story was when he finally realized he was not like everybody else so then he tried to change because he didn't have any friends because of his weirdness.
I was surprised when he found a friend weird like him because I never thought he would find someone weird like him and that he would have a friend finally also surprised me.I liked the way the author described the Zinkoff because he said he was weird,different, and curious so he was described different from everybody else he knew.
I would give this book a 4 because i enjoyed it but there were some parts I didn't like about the book.I would recommend this book to my classmates because its a good book even if I didn't like some parts of the book.Do you like loser book if you do this is the book for you
March 6, 2008
I saw this book in the Scholastic book magazine and did not select it for reading due to the perceived angst I might feel over some mean kids and pitiful character that is bullied. I have a big aversion to the nasty use of "you're a loser" as I feel everyone has something special to contribute. Those that use "loser" to define another are the losers themselves as they are breeding ground for nastiness, exclusion, anger, hate, and hopelessness.
However, my son was assigned the book to read at school, so I felt obligated to engage in the discussion. All in all, I was surprised and had to reach for my tissue box a couple times, but I did not feel so despondent that I had to go hug a tree. Without giving any specific spoilers, let me say that for the reading level of the target audience, the amount of detail was appropriate (although I would love to see what this author has/could do with his talent in more detail in a higher level), and the skill of significant details, images, redeemable characters, and metaphor made the book well worth my time. I can imagine that this book makes for a great discussion on character and compassion for the classroom and family setting. I'm not sure if it will change the behavior of the some of the heart-hardened bullies who read the book, but at least they may think twice, and the main character is memorable. For the rest of us, it is an encouragement to keep brave in the alleys of our lives, despite the flurries of challenges in our way.
However, my son was assigned the book to read at school, so I felt obligated to engage in the discussion. All in all, I was surprised and had to reach for my tissue box a couple times, but I did not feel so despondent that I had to go hug a tree. Without giving any specific spoilers, let me say that for the reading level of the target audience, the amount of detail was appropriate (although I would love to see what this author has/could do with his talent in more detail in a higher level), and the skill of significant details, images, redeemable characters, and metaphor made the book well worth my time. I can imagine that this book makes for a great discussion on character and compassion for the classroom and family setting. I'm not sure if it will change the behavior of the some of the heart-hardened bullies who read the book, but at least they may think twice, and the main character is memorable. For the rest of us, it is an encouragement to keep brave in the alleys of our lives, despite the flurries of challenges in our way.
May 22, 2019
I just finished reading this aloud to my 6th grade class. It is such a great book.
Donald Zinkoff is a wonderful character. He is that kid who is clumsy and slow and who other kids just feel the need to pick on. But Zinkoff has the most amazing and loving heart. He won my students over and they empathized with him. Hopefully they are kinder because of him.
I liked that the book did not tie everything up with a neat bow, that Donald did not win the game, save the day, or change the world. He is an optimistic, kind, loving soul who touches characters and readers alike, inspiring subtle shifts of perception.
It is a really wonderful story that I recommend for all ages.
Donald Zinkoff is a wonderful character. He is that kid who is clumsy and slow and who other kids just feel the need to pick on. But Zinkoff has the most amazing and loving heart. He won my students over and they empathized with him. Hopefully they are kinder because of him.
I liked that the book did not tie everything up with a neat bow, that Donald did not win the game, save the day, or change the world. He is an optimistic, kind, loving soul who touches characters and readers alike, inspiring subtle shifts of perception.
It is a really wonderful story that I recommend for all ages.
October 26, 2021
I read this one with my 10 year old son and we both really enjoyed it. He liked how the book followed Donald's life from 1st grade to middle school, and the (numerous) funny parts. I really liked the lovable, out of the box protagonist.
July 10, 2016
Even though this is geared toward young adult, I enjoyed this myself. Good, thought provoking read
November 22, 2016
Heartwarming, just heartwarming.
November 17, 2022
It was pretty good.
November 26, 2018
This book was okay.
I didn't hate the book- but I didn't like it that much either. I definitely did not think reading it was boring- like a chore- but still, it wouldn't be something I would read in my free time. I feel like Zinkoff's life is relatable enough, but I find his life... I don't know... kind of- unrealistic. Zinkoff kind of reminds me of Nikki Maxwell from Dork Diaries in a way, except he's... a bit stranger and is bullied for often.
Overall, this book was fine. It's probably something I would read if I was like that bored - since it's pretty short.
I didn't hate the book- but I didn't like it that much either. I definitely did not think reading it was boring- like a chore- but still, it wouldn't be something I would read in my free time. I feel like Zinkoff's life is relatable enough, but I find his life... I don't know... kind of- unrealistic. Zinkoff kind of reminds me of Nikki Maxwell from Dork Diaries in a way, except he's... a bit stranger and is bullied for often.
Overall, this book was fine. It's probably something I would read if I was like that bored - since it's pretty short.
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September 29, 2017I didn't really like it and i cant really explain what is was about and it was a lil weird plus it was nothing like school and i've been to like 20.
November 23, 2018
The beginning was a little boring, but it started getting more intense as the book went on.
April 12, 2018
Books like this bring back memories of my childhood that I do not like to revisit. I spent most of this afternoon crying. We learn, very young, how to be cruel and I feel that younger kids can be the cruelest. And when you are an oddball, a book nerd, introvert, extra sensitive, [MANY TIMES] the new kid and very much the klutz [I would strive to be sick on field day - I DESPISED that day more than any other], you get called names and loser was very much one I heard on a daily basis. And the result of that is that one becomes defensive and even more introverted and very unsure of oneself. Even to this day I am apologetic for the amount of books I read [AND the kind of books I read], for the amount of time I spend alone and for being the klutziest person on the planet [OMGOSH sometimes I swear this is true! LOL] among many other things [I drive my best friend insane with this] because unfortunately, people in adulthood, are still very mean.
This book struck such a chord with me - I was a "chatty cathy" and a big singer and loved school [until I hated it]. Donald reminded me so much of who I was when I was that age and I cried over how he was treated, by students and teachers alike. WHEN will people learn that not every child will fit the box you think they belong in? Sigh.
A really good read, even as it was very difficult.
This book struck such a chord with me - I was a "chatty cathy" and a big singer and loved school [until I hated it]. Donald reminded me so much of who I was when I was that age and I cried over how he was treated, by students and teachers alike. WHEN will people learn that not every child will fit the box you think they belong in? Sigh.
A really good read, even as it was very difficult.
December 4, 2020
I would not recommend this book to people who like books in which the protagonist overcomes all odds and stand proud for their achievements because the main character in this novel doesn't really overcome his problems. It's his peers that gradually start to accept him as one of them, not a "nobody", as quoted by the book. The story is about Donald Zinkoff, a hyperactive 6-year old boy who is too excited to go to school. The book writes about his school experiences and the ways he annoyed others and also the ways he got disrespected. We can see as he grows from first grade to sixth grade, it's not him that's really changing. It's his surroundings and the attitudes directed toward him that are. One thing that I enjoyed about this book was how it portrayed the world through Zinkoff's perspective, which not a lot of people can see. Unlike other books, who choose a certain relatable character/figure (a black woman, a white boy, an Asian girl, etc.), the character Zinkoff is quite unpredictable and probably not one you would find in your life.
September 3, 2013
This was my third book by Jerry Spenelli, the first ones were Stargirl and Love Stargirl. I had immediately liked the writer in the first two books; his writing style was simple, yet astonishly magical. Jerry Spenelli writes for children and juveniles, actually--his target audience are those in middle grade--yet teenagers, young adults, and adults could totally enjoy reading his books.
So Loser is basically about Donald Zinkoff, which is an exceptional and special kid. Since he was young, Zinkoff has already been showing signs that he is unique. He is unlike any other kid. He enjoys going to school, with the kind of excitement to compel him to go early to school. He enjoys learning and discovering things. He likes involving himself in wide array of activities. Zinkoff is like a ball of energy, and there is no way that he could be stopped in his conquest to explore the world.
However, Zinkoff's uniqueness from other kids marks his own "downfall." In fourth grade, Zinkoff was discovered, along with his innocent and seemingly ordinary ways. His classmates discovered that his penmanship is atrocious, that he is such a mediocre pupil and he never gets an A in any test, and that--although he recites oftentimes--he makes more wrong answers that correct ones. Then on the school's Field Day, when their team lost and placed last in races, Zinkoff was blamed and was popularly dubbed as "loser".
Basing my observations on Stargirl and Love, Stargirl, and now, Loser, Mr. Jerry Spenelli has a craft in writing characters that are unconventional and unique persons who don't usually follow conformity. His characters have their own individuality, with the innate nature to be different from others. Zinkoff, although dubbed as "loser" by his classmates, is somewhat oblivious of his new name. He doesn't really care. He is being his real self, and that is what truly matters for him and for the people that care for him.
It was nice that Zinkoff has a really supportive family who truly loves him. But what I particularly like were the teachers in this story: Mr. Yalowitz and Miss Meeks. Miss Meeks was his first grade teacher who patiently taught Zinkoff the basics of learning, who believes in his capabilities, and who truly enjoys being with children. On the other hand, I really like Mr. Yalowitz because he doesn't discriminate his students; rather encourages them and gives them opportunity to discover themselves and build this confidence. As someone who is studying to be an educator and aspires to be a teacher, I wish to be the kind of teacher that Miss Meeks and Mr. Yalowitz were. I wish to encourage and inspire my students, and I want my lessons to be instilled in their minds and forever and inspire them in every step of the way.
Loser is an excellent story about being your real self as you discover your own capabilities. The ending proves that there is no human being that is really a loser; rather, we are winners in our own ways. It just depends on how we view things. Although sometimes, we are unconventional and different from others, there are people who are willing to accept us by being "us," and willing to transcend our differences.
So Loser is basically about Donald Zinkoff, which is an exceptional and special kid. Since he was young, Zinkoff has already been showing signs that he is unique. He is unlike any other kid. He enjoys going to school, with the kind of excitement to compel him to go early to school. He enjoys learning and discovering things. He likes involving himself in wide array of activities. Zinkoff is like a ball of energy, and there is no way that he could be stopped in his conquest to explore the world.
However, Zinkoff's uniqueness from other kids marks his own "downfall." In fourth grade, Zinkoff was discovered, along with his innocent and seemingly ordinary ways. His classmates discovered that his penmanship is atrocious, that he is such a mediocre pupil and he never gets an A in any test, and that--although he recites oftentimes--he makes more wrong answers that correct ones. Then on the school's Field Day, when their team lost and placed last in races, Zinkoff was blamed and was popularly dubbed as "loser".
Basing my observations on Stargirl and Love, Stargirl, and now, Loser, Mr. Jerry Spenelli has a craft in writing characters that are unconventional and unique persons who don't usually follow conformity. His characters have their own individuality, with the innate nature to be different from others. Zinkoff, although dubbed as "loser" by his classmates, is somewhat oblivious of his new name. He doesn't really care. He is being his real self, and that is what truly matters for him and for the people that care for him.
It was nice that Zinkoff has a really supportive family who truly loves him. But what I particularly like were the teachers in this story: Mr. Yalowitz and Miss Meeks. Miss Meeks was his first grade teacher who patiently taught Zinkoff the basics of learning, who believes in his capabilities, and who truly enjoys being with children. On the other hand, I really like Mr. Yalowitz because he doesn't discriminate his students; rather encourages them and gives them opportunity to discover themselves and build this confidence. As someone who is studying to be an educator and aspires to be a teacher, I wish to be the kind of teacher that Miss Meeks and Mr. Yalowitz were. I wish to encourage and inspire my students, and I want my lessons to be instilled in their minds and forever and inspire them in every step of the way.
Loser is an excellent story about being your real self as you discover your own capabilities. The ending proves that there is no human being that is really a loser; rather, we are winners in our own ways. It just depends on how we view things. Although sometimes, we are unconventional and different from others, there are people who are willing to accept us by being "us," and willing to transcend our differences.
November 30, 2018
The book was okay but I didn't like it that much. The book was interesting at first, but after 5th grade graduation day, I started to lose interest. I also didn't know what was going on during when Claudia went missing and I couldn't imagine the scene in my head.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2016
So.............we're doing novel study in our class. And I finished this with two periods (or three?) when I was *guilty smile* NOT supposed to. *nervously laughs--heh heh heh*
Right, well..
This was something I did not really like. It's about a weird, goofy, happy-go-lucky kid named Donald Zinkoff, whose handwriting was quote unquote "atrocious". See, he's not smart. He's not athletic. He's....ordinary. Average.
As far as I'm concerned, he didn't really have any friends. He didn't have any best friend. Actually, he did try chasing Hector Binns, the guy who wanted to make an earwax candle. I mean, SERIOUSLY? One guy to pick and you go for that one? All Hector EVER answered was, "I guess." I guess. I guess. I guess. I guess.
But Donald Zinkoff messed that up too, so he is left friendless (in my belief) once more. Also, yes this is a spoiler. So, we know ZInkoff's father is a mailman. A mailman. And we also know (well, you do now) that Zinkoff was nuts to be a mailman: quote unquote, "Piece a cake ..."
We find a number of things in this book.
We find Donald is bullied.
He is lonely.
He is totally oblivious to everything.
We find he is a happy-go-lucky guy.
We find he turns pretty desperate for a best friend.
We find he grows to care for a little girl named Claudia, who is what? Three, four? Whose parents use a leash on?
Well, this was not my favourite book, and it was rated three stars because (it's probably just me) Zinkoff is unlikable and annoying. BUT it was also rated three stars and not one because he IS a pretty sunshine-y kid. I mean, I know this review was more bad than good but.......he is pretty brave. The end of the book (SPOILER ALERT) he was both stupid and brave to try and find Claudia, the girl on the leash, hours after she'd ALREADY been found.
So to sum it up, this guy is both an idiot, and a happy-go-lucky kid, one that isn't ashamed to be unafraid of doing what he's sure is right.
Yes, he is unaccepted. Yes, he does not have friends. Yes, this books feels so depressing.
ALTHOUGH he DOES end up getting somehow accepted on the last page. But..I won't spoil that for you..XD
Right, well..
This was something I did not really like. It's about a weird, goofy, happy-go-lucky kid named Donald Zinkoff, whose handwriting was quote unquote "atrocious". See, he's not smart. He's not athletic. He's....ordinary. Average.
As far as I'm concerned, he didn't really have any friends. He didn't have any best friend. Actually, he did try chasing Hector Binns, the guy who wanted to make an earwax candle. I mean, SERIOUSLY? One guy to pick and you go for that one? All Hector EVER answered was, "I guess." I guess. I guess. I guess. I guess.
But Donald Zinkoff messed that up too, so he is left friendless (in my belief) once more. Also, yes this is a spoiler. So, we know ZInkoff's father is a mailman. A mailman. And we also know (well, you do now) that Zinkoff was nuts to be a mailman: quote unquote, "Piece a cake ..."
We find a number of things in this book.
We find Donald is bullied.
He is lonely.
He is totally oblivious to everything.
We find he is a happy-go-lucky guy.
We find he turns pretty desperate for a best friend.
We find he grows to care for a little girl named Claudia, who is what? Three, four? Whose parents use a leash on?
Well, this was not my favourite book, and it was rated three stars because (it's probably just me) Zinkoff is unlikable and annoying. BUT it was also rated three stars and not one because he IS a pretty sunshine-y kid. I mean, I know this review was more bad than good but.......he is pretty brave. The end of the book (SPOILER ALERT) he was both stupid and brave to try and find Claudia, the girl on the leash, hours after she'd ALREADY been found.
So to sum it up, this guy is both an idiot, and a happy-go-lucky kid, one that isn't ashamed to be unafraid of doing what he's sure is right.
Yes, he is unaccepted. Yes, he does not have friends. Yes, this books feels so depressing.
ALTHOUGH he DOES end up getting somehow accepted on the last page. But..I won't spoil that for you..XD
May 12, 2022
Zinkoff, the kid who loves school, is kinda of different and always happy. He loves his family, but in school kids make fun of him, but really he doesn't mind. When they have field day at school he runs and loses the race he is label a loser. That he doesn't want to be. So he continues to try not to become a loser. One day when a snow storm comes and he hears there is a loss girl he will do whatever it takes to find her. Being a hero bring him confidence but will his school ever see him more than the "Loser"? In actually I gave this book a 3.5 stars. You can't help loving Zinkoff. He is a really good kid but will other see him that way? This would be a great book for your middle grader to read. I do highly recommend it and I promise you that you will fall in love with Zinkoff too!!!
October 11, 2016
I really liked this book a lot. I didn't rated it five stars because it was changing point of views in the middle of the chapter. It's really a good book
May 22, 2017
This book moved my heart. The story is so ... deep. Donald Zinkoff, this sweet as sugar little boy who is not the best at a lot of things is bullied. He is that one kid who is a straggler. He is brave and , despite what he can't do, this book makes you want to be him. You'll want to be the boy who has the best skill, love. If you read this book (which iI strongly recommend you do) I can promise he will make you laugh, cry, and think, WOW he has so much courage. This is a book I would read time and time again.
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November 30, 2018This book was really good. It tells all about how Zinkoff( Main Character) get bullied and get called a loser. Have you ever been getting called a loser, if you have or have not, you should read this book. I recommend to people who have been a bully or get called a LOSER!!
February 28, 2024
This book is about a kid who is most likely autistic and he just loves life. He may not be good at anything, but he sure loves trying. He especially loves school but can get bullied sometimes. Though he’s weird, he turns out to be a hero.
March 9, 2024
I never read Spinelli growing up, but I wish I had. This book was touching, heartfelt, and the ending was just lovely. This is a beautiful read for children and adults.
November 11, 2025
le schiappe vanno bullizzate così si danno una sgaggiata cazzoooo
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