Loser

De: Jerry Spinelli

Narrado por: Steve Buscemi

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".

©2002 Jerry Spinelli (P)2002 HarperCollins Publishers

I want more of this precious soul!

What a wonderful story. Yes, this is a "children's" book, but I'm 53 & loved it. Children will love this story, too but, like all good Disney animated movies, astute adults might learn/absorb even more.

The protagonist is a joyous AND joyful, wonderful, marvelous child who loves life & school & his family &...everything!...& also doesn't realize his peers think he's a "loser". This book sends a powerful message, but not the "ram it down your throat" kind of message so many pc books of late attempt. This story will burrow under your skin & become a part of you - 'in a good way'.☺️

I say I want more...but I also believe a sequel would dilute this tale, much as the sequel to "Stargirl" did for me; although very good, it wasn't a good sequel. If it had been written as a stand-alone w/a different-named protagonist, I would have bought into it more.

Anyway, if you liked "Stargirl", you'll like "Loser". If you LOVED "Stargirl" (as I did), then you'll LOVE "Loser"! What a wonderful storyteller Mr. Spinelli is. What talent/acuity/skill/dexterity/gifts he has been blessed with.

PLUS! Who can pass up the chance to hear "Carl Showalter" (Steve Buscemi) from "Fargo" narrate?! How cool is that?! Something to keep in the back of your mind & grin about while you listen (he does a stellar job, too - just hits every mark).

Worth a WHOLE credit, even though so short; THAT'S how terrific I think "Loser" is.

meh or less

disappointing....awesome narration by Steve Buscemi wouldn't use a credit again if I needed to...meh

outstanding

What made the experience of listening to Loser the most enjoyable?

Spinelli's story captures youth, belonging, isolation, love... perfectly
Buscemi is perfect as a narrator
Can't say enough positive things about this
Must have for kids and adults alike

What other book might you compare Loser to and why?

Maniac Magee
Equally well-written and beautifully narrated

What about Steve Buscemi’s performance did you like?

Personality, gives you the sense of being an insider to Zinkoff's world

incredible

I honestly enjoyed this book! I just wish we could have had more on him on middle and in high school

I love jerry spinelli!

everything I have ever read from spinelli is great! highly recommend any of his books

Pretty Good Book

This book is pretty entertaining and I definitely recommend it! This book sends tons of different emotions through your body. But, whether the book makes you sad or mad, you'll will still be entertained.

Keeps everyone's attention!

Such a great story and narrated very well! My students loved it! This is a story we will listen to every year

how the man emphasized his words

nothing like a good day to be a good boy and a good boy to be a good boy

Great performance and thought provoking

This is a must read for middle schoolers to get a glimpse of bullying from a different perspective. Donald Zinkoff, the main character, doesn’t know how special he is. Without being didactic the author shows how kindness, acceptance and the lack thereof affect Donald and those around him. The audio performance brought Zinkoff alive. More than once this mom found herself wishing she could give the kid a hug.

awesome

A must read for any classroom teacher. My annual school opener. Best for upper elementary onwards.