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{{short description|2003 novel by Jerry Spinelli}} |
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{{Infobox book |
{{Infobox book |
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| name = Loser |
| name = Loser |
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| genre = Novel, [[Realistic Fiction]] |
| genre = Novel, [[Realistic Fiction]] |
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| publisher = [[ |
| publisher = [[HarperCollins]] |
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| isbn = 0-06-054074-5 |
| isbn = 0-06-054074-5 |
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| image = Loser by Jerri Spinelli (cover).jpg |
| image = Loser by Jerri Spinelli (cover).jpg |
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'''''Loser''''' is a [[ |
'''''Loser''''' is a [[:Category:children's novels|children’s novel]] by [[Jerry Spinelli]], first published in 2002 by Joanna Cotler, an imprint of [[HarperCollins|Harper Collins Books]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Loser |url=https://www.goodreads.com/work/963222-loser |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=Goodreads |language=en}}</ref> It portrays the growth of Zinkoff, a boy who is considered "stupid" by his classmates due to his clumsiness, poor performance in school and athletics, and sometimes, clueless enthusiasm. |
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This book is unique among Spinelli's works as it is written entirely in the [[present tense]].<ref>[https://openlibrary.org/books/OL3952084M/Loser Loser (2002 edition) | Open Library]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Loser |url=https://www.goodreads.com/work/963222-loser |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=Goodreads |language=en}}</ref> |
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== Accolades == |
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It was nominated for the 2004-05 [[Mark Twain Readers Award]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Mark Twain Award: Master List |url=https://cdn.ymaws.com/masl.site-ym.com/resource/resmgr/mark_twain/mark_twain_master_winner_lis.pdf |publisher=Children's Services Office, Mid-Continent Public Library |access-date=15 December 2023 |date=September 2007}}</ref> |
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==Plot== |
==Plot== |
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The plot follows the [[protagonist]], Donald Zinkoff, through his early life. When Zinkoff enters the first grade, his sloppiness and excessive enthusiasm are immediately noted by his teacher, Miss Meeks. Despite Zinkoff’s quirks, Miss Meeks works to instill confidence in him. Zinkoff’s second grade teacher, Mrs. Biswell, is more hostile towards him, and regularly scolds him for his lack of discipline. While in the second grade, Zinkoff also bonds with his father by following him on his mail route. |
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Loser is a young adult novel narrated by Donald Zinkoff, an eccentric and enthusiastic elementary school student. Donald marches to the beat of his own drum, often oblivious to social norms. While his classmates brand him as a "loser," Donald remains positive and finds joy in the simple things. |
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In the fourth grade, Zinkoff estranged himself from the majority of his peers when his clumsiness causes his team to lose on Field Day. He initially struggles with being taunted and referred to as a "[[wikt:loser|loser]]" by his classmates. Though he does eventually recover his old spirit, he develops a new maturity and becomes more self-conscious about his enthusiastic behavior. Once he is in fifth grade, Zinkoff makes a much more active effort to fit in. He briefly befriends one of his classmates, Hector Binns, but the friendship soon falls apart. He purposely avoids Field Day once it arrives, fearing that he will once again let his team down, and instead chooses to spend the day with an old woman he knows from his father’s mail route. |
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The story follows Donald through his elementary school years, specifically his time from grade 1 to 5, highlighting his experiences with classmates, teachers, and his supportive family. He faces challenges like being ostracized by his peers, struggling to excel in traditional ways, and dealing with bullies. |
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Despite the difficulties, Donald maintains his optimistic outlook and embraces life's experiences, both successes and failures. The narrative reaches a turning point in middle school when an unexpected event casts Donald in the role of an unlikely hero. |
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Loser is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of finding your own path. Through Donald's journey, Spinelli celebrates the value of individuality and the power of a positive attitude. |
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When Zinkoff initially enters middle school, he goes largely unnoticed by his classmates. After the school year’s first snow, Zinkoff discovers that a toddler in his neighborhood, Claudia, has gone missing. Believing that she ran away, he decides to search for her. Though Claudia is found a few minutes later, Zinkoff does not notice and spends seven hours in the snow searching for Claudia. Eventually, he is found and brought home. The incident with Claudia gains Zinkoff some notoriety in middle school, and the novel closes with him being invited to play football with the other boys in the grade for the first time. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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{{Portal|Children and Young Adult Literature}} |
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[[Category:2002 American novels]] |
[[Category:2002 American novels]] |
Revision as of 00:34, 8 April 2024
Author | Jerry Spinelli |
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Language | English |
Genre | Novel, Realistic Fiction |
Publisher | HarperCollins |
Publication date | July 29, 2003 |
Publication place | United States |
Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
Pages | 218 (first edition hardcover) |
ISBN | 0-06-054074-5 |
OCLC | 47996204 |
Loser is a children’s novel by Jerry Spinelli, first published in 2002 by Joanna Cotler, an imprint of Harper Collins Books.[1] It portrays the growth of Zinkoff, a boy who is considered "stupid" by his classmates due to his clumsiness, poor performance in school and athletics, and sometimes, clueless enthusiasm.
This book is unique among Spinelli's works as it is written entirely in the present tense.[2][3]
Accolades
It was nominated for the 2004-05 Mark Twain Readers Award.[4]
Plot
Loser is a young adult novel narrated by Donald Zinkoff, an eccentric and enthusiastic elementary school student. Donald marches to the beat of his own drum, often oblivious to social norms. While his classmates brand him as a "loser," Donald remains positive and finds joy in the simple things.
The story follows Donald through his elementary school years, specifically his time from grade 1 to 5, highlighting his experiences with classmates, teachers, and his supportive family. He faces challenges like being ostracized by his peers, struggling to excel in traditional ways, and dealing with bullies.
Despite the difficulties, Donald maintains his optimistic outlook and embraces life's experiences, both successes and failures. The narrative reaches a turning point in middle school when an unexpected event casts Donald in the role of an unlikely hero.
Loser is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of finding your own path. Through Donald's journey, Spinelli celebrates the value of individuality and the power of a positive attitude.
References
- ^ "Loser". Goodreads. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
- ^ Loser (2002 edition) | Open Library
- ^ "Loser". Goodreads. Retrieved 2022-11-08.
- ^ "Mark Twain Award: Master List" (PDF). Children's Services Office, Mid-Continent Public Library. September 2007. Retrieved 15 December 2023.