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Loser Audiobook
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(3.00) - 8,222 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
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.
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"Loser is a very appropriate title for the books if of a boy named donald, who is seemingly a nice kid, enjoys going to school, talks to old ladies and laughs. however we soon see that he is a very awkward kid, we learn that donald zinkoff is nice, kind, caring basically a great personality but thats not enough. until fourth grade with his endless giggling and clumsiness and all the other stupid things he does he was pronounced the "loser". and from then he was bullied teased and all sorts of mean things kids did to him and he didnt have many friends. though later he does learn that you must live life with more potential and with more fun. however do not go over board for then you will regret it."
— Wesley (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Spinelli understands some aspects of childhood better than anyone since Beverly Cleary,”
— Washington Post -
“What makes the book charming and buoyant is that the reader, like Zinkoff’s parents and his favorite teacher, appreciates the boy’s oblivious joie de vivre and his divine quirks…Spinelli comes through again with a lively, often moving story with humor and heart to spare.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review -
“Steve Buscemi’s performance provides a feeling of familiarity with the Zinkoff family. His low, mellow tones and laid-back reading make for a comfortable listening experience.”
— AudioFile -
“Here’s one loser who will win plenty of hearts.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Awards
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A 2002 Book Sense Pick
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A 2002 Great Lakes Great Reads Pick
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A 2002 Publishers Weekly Best Book for Children's Fiction
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Winner of the 2004 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award
Loser Listener Reviews
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" I enjoyed this Young Adult books. "
— Wendy, 2/17/2014 -
" One of my favorite kids books. "
— Freda, 2/12/2014 -
" Another great book by Jerry Spinelli. All of his books draw you into a world that reminds you of your own. All of his stories teach a lesson without making it completely obvious that he is doing so. "
— Beatrice, 2/11/2014 -
" It seems kinda easy, but whatever "
— Sed, 2/10/2014 -
" so cute. zinkof is so innocent and nice. this author is amazing! "
— Madalynn, 2/2/2014 -
" Wonderful Spinelli Book "
— Marie, 1/31/2014 -
" This book is about a boy named Donald Zinkoff. He really likes school. Later on he meets a boy named Andrew. Andrew and Zinkoff become great friends. Then later Andrew moves to another place. After Zinkoff finishes elementary school he goes to middle school and meets Andrew again. II really like this book, it was a great one. "
— Say, 1/24/2014 -
" Jerry Spinelli has a real touch with making characters you will never forget. "
— Sandy, 1/20/2014 -
" This book was RLY good! "
— Andi, 1/2/2014 -
" great book but a bit too juvenile for my adult tastes which happen to be rather juvenile! "
— Yael, 12/31/2013 -
" Nicholas says 4 1/2 stars. "Now that's amazing!" he says about this book. "
— Emo, 12/29/2013 -
" This is a great book. I honestly can't get enough of Jerry Spinelli his books are awesome. "
— Rain, 12/17/2013 -
" Loser was a reat book! if you like comedy books you will love this. it is about a boy named Zinkoff and about his funny but, messed up life. So if you are looking for a funny easy read i rccommend this book. "
— Ctjb, 12/16/2013 -
" AND THE Z SHALL BE FRIST! zinkoffis the most amusing kid i shall know! you should defently read this book! "
— Erin, 12/6/2013 -
" It was a good book, lots of good description and whatnot. "
— Ron, 12/6/2013 -
" I did not enjoy this book. The characters bored me. The book was OK at best. "
— Riley, 11/24/2013 -
" Sad, but happy end. "
— Kaleb, 10/8/2013 -
" I love Zinkoff and his silly giraffe hat! Another great inspirational story by Jerry Spineli. Zinkoffis just a positive kids taking whatever life throws at him & makes the preverbal lemonade from the lemons. A must read. "
— Mare, 7/23/2013 -
" its good but not great 2 me. "
— k-swiss, 7/8/2012 -
" Really really fun book! I really recommend this. "
— Peter, 5/31/2012 -
" I loved this book also. The title is what brought me to buy it and what made me decide to read it. I actually read this during the summer of 2006 and I loved it and I finished it pretty fast. Its a good read and also very interesting, well at least I thought that it was. "
— Miguel, 2/20/2012 -
" I liked this book! :) It was really funny and exciting. The ending wasn't the best and I want them to make a second book! "
— Lauren, 9/11/2011 -
" Funny, he was really funny "
— Ryan, 6/5/2011 -
" This book is one of the best childhood books ever. I suggest reading this book if you're into realistic fiction or if you like reading books about young kids and with their point of views (POV). It is AWESOMO. :3 "
— Corinna704, 5/17/2011 -
" In this book the main characters name is Zinkoff. Zinkoff is not like any other kid in school, he is very different compared to other children. But, he makes the book really interesting and fun to read. I would recommend reading this fun filled book of Zinkoff's epic life... "
— Amanda, 5/6/2011 -
" so far it is an exallent book "
— Yailene, 5/4/2011 -
" it was a pretty cool book...You should read it "
— Deshawn, 5/1/2011 -
" This book is very inspirational, entertaining, and realistic "
— Maric, 4/26/2011 -
" One of my favorite books to teach when I taught. Good story, message and humor. "
— Sarah, 4/19/2011 -
" Soo Far The Book Is Funnny (at some parts) !!!!!!!!!!!!! "
— Julissa, 4/5/2011 -
" i thought this book was funny and suprising "
— Rene, 4/4/2011 -
" Good Book, well it was when i was at primary "
— Hanna, 4/1/2011
About Jerry Spinelli
Jerry Spinelli discovered his calling in 1957 when his high school football team won a big game. The town celebrated and his fellow students raced through the streets, but Jerry sneaked back home and marked the occasion in his own way. He wrote a poem. Later the town newspaper published it. He has been a writer ever since. Married to Eileen Spinelli, who is also a writer, Jerry was for many years an editor for the Chilton Company. Now a full-time writer, he lives in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. His immensely popular books include Space Station Seventh Grade, Jason and Marceline, Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush?, and Maniac Magee, which has won more than fifteen state children’s book awards in addition to the Newbery Medal.