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. And one winter night, Zinkoff's differences show that any name can someday become 'hero.' He doesn't know he's not like everyone else. Other kids have their own word to describe him, but Zinkoff is too busy to hear it. 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.' Just like other kids, Zinkoff rides his bike, hopes for snow days, and wants to be like his dad when he grows up. This classic book is perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and Carl Hiaasen.

Donald's got great character, and the ending of the book is also nice because it hints at Donald starting to find the good friends he has been missing for years.From renowned Newbery-winning author Jerry Spinelli comes a powerful story about how not fitting in just might lead to an incredible life. I like this book - it was really interesting to find a read where the hero is a social misfit of his class: one of those loving and hard-working people that the world misunderstands.

In a couple of his clumsy moments, Donald runs into or trips over things. The Zinkoffs seem to be a Christian family, and Donald's parents take him and his sister to church every Sunday, as well teach him to pray before going to sleep every night. When Donald finds out that someone, he sets out for hours and hours through the wind and snow to try to find her, risking his own health and safety and comfort. When he hits middle school, though, everyone turns on him as the 'loser.' It doesn't take long for Donald to realize that his heart, and the love of his family and true friends, are what count.ĭonald is someone who tries very hard in school, sports, and all his activities (he is not very good in them, but he earnestly works hard).ĭonald is the guy people tease for seemingly no reason, and at one point he feels extremely lonely and upset to have no real friend.ĭonald's parents are obviously there for him and love him a lot. Great read with a misunderstood outcast as the admirable character also has Christian morals.ĭonald Zinkoff, the guy who likes school and doesn't let bullies' teasing get to him, has been the same guy all his life.

Loser by Jerry Spinelli