Loser

By: Jerry Spinelli

Narrated by: Steve Buscemi

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.

©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