Donald Zinkoff is the kid that laughs too loud in class, trips over his own feet, and always answers the question wrong. His quirky qualities aren't a big deal until fourth grade, when his classmates brand him "a loser." Yes, Zinkoff is different...but he just may show everyone that any name can someday become "hero."

Loser was read by Thom Rivera
Thom is an accomplished actor who has performed extensively in regional theater and Off Broadway. He is an alumnus of The Acting Company, America's premiere touring repertory theater, having performed in the world premiere of Pudd'nhead. He holds a BA from Cal State Northridge and an MFA from University of California, Irvine.

As a fifth grader, Thom enjoyed reading the Tripod science fiction series by John Christopher, starting with The White Mountains. His local librarian recently introduced him to Philip Pullman's Golden Compass Trilogy, which he recommends as well.

What do you think?

Do you identify with Zinkoff? Compare and contrast yourself to him. Do you know someone like him?

Would you be Zinkoff's friend? Why or why not?

What's your favorite part of the story? Was there a part that made you feel uncomfortable? Was there a part that made you sad? Was there a part that made you angry? Was there a part that made you laugh? Tell about them.

Zinkoff's parents seem to really love and support him. How do you know this? List a couple of examples.

Zinkoff liked several of his teachers, even doing chores in the classroom for them. What do you think he liked about his fourth grade teacher, Mr. Yalowitz? Have you ever felt that way about a teacher?

Have you ever participated in a "Take Your Child to Work Day" and gone to work with one of your parents? What was it like? Did you like it? What did going to work with your parent mean to you? Think about Zinkoff's day delivering his hand-addressed letters with his dad. Would you have liked to have had your very own "Take You to Work Day" like Zinkoff did? Why, or why not?

How does Zinkoff handle it when other children make fun of him? Does it bother him? How do you think he feels?

Did you notice that the story is not about Zinkoff's perspective, but about how other people view him? Why do you think author Jerry Spinelli chose to write the story this way?

Do you think Zinkoff is a loser? Do you think author Jerry Spinelli thinks Zinkoff is a loser? Give examples to back up your reasoning.

Did your opinion of Zinkoff change while reading the book?

Fun & Adventure Beyond the Book

Ok, now that you've answered the questions in our "What do you think" section, read how author Jerry Spinelli answered some of them. Then you can read about him and learn why he calls himself a "berry-picking, pony-touching star-marveler."

If you've read a lot of Spinelli's books, you'll want to check out this site! It has all sorts of riddles, puzzles, word searches and games to play, based on his characters and storylines. The games were created by students as part of a website called "All About Jerry Spinelli" they built as a school project.

Field Days can be a lot of fun...but they can also cause a lot of hurt feelings. Remember what happened in Loser? Keep that in mind and see if you can help plan your school's next field day. This website has some ideas for games. You can also play non-competitive games, like Hoop Circle or Moonball.

Zinkoffs unite! You're not a loser, but maybe there are some kids giving you a hard time. The PBS Kids site has an advice section on how to handle all sorts of stuff. Check it out and share it with your friends.



If You Like This Book, Check Out...

Grace Greene, from the Vermont Department of Libraries, says if you liked Loser, you’ll probably enjoy these books as well:

Other books by Spinelli:

Maniac Magee. Little, Brown, 1990.
After his parents die, Jeffrey Lionel Magee's life becomes legendary, as he accomplishes athletic and other feats which awe his contemporaries.

Stargirl. Knopf, 2000.
In this story about the perils of popularity, the courage of nonconformity, and the thrill of first love, an eccentric student named Stargirl changes Mica High School forever.

Crash. Knopf, 1996.
Seventh-grader John "Crash" Coogan has always been comfortable with his tough, aggressive behavior, until his relationship with an unusual Quaker boy and his grandfather's stroke make him consider the meaning of friendship and the importance of family.

Companion titles:

Codell, Esme Raji. Sahara Special. Hyperion, 2003.
Struggling with school and her feelings since her father left, Sahara gets a fresh start with a new and unique teacher who supports her writing talents and the individuality of each of her classmates.

Franklin, Kristine L. Nerd No More. Candlewick, 1996.
Wiggie Carter gets himself into real trouble because he tries desperately to be a cool kid instead of a nerd with a mom who hosts a TV science show.

Mills, Claudia. You're a Brave Man, Julius Zimmerman. FSG, 1999.
Twelve-year-old Julius has his hands full over the summer when his mother attempts to improve his grades and teach him responsibility by signing him up for a French class and getting him a job babysitting.