Loser (novel)
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.jpg) Book cover of Loser, by Jerri Spinelli. | |
| Author | Jerry Spinelli |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Novel, Fiction |
| Publisher | Harper Collins |
Publication date | 2002 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| Pages | 218 (first edition hardcover) |
| ISBN | 0060540745 |
| OCLC | 47996204 |
Loser is a coming of age young adult novel first published in 2002 by American author Jerry Spinelli. It details the growth of Donald Zinkoff, an autistic boy. He is branded a 'loser' by his classmates, due to his autism, his laughter going out of control at times and being awful at sports such as soccer. It was nominated for the 2004-05 Mark Twain Award.[1][2]
Characters
- Andrew Orwell Zinkoff's neighbor. He moved away from Zinkoff's town in 3rd Grade because his father got a promotion. Zinkoff meets him in 6th grade
- Polly Zinkoff's little sister. She's probably eight years old at the end of the book.
- Claudia A toddler who is kept on a leash at all times. She is almost six years old at the end of the book. She gives Zinkoff bubble gum that resembles a stone which he uses as a good luck charm.
- Hector Binns A brief friend of Zinkoff. He's known for eating black licorice, making it act like it's tobacco. Hector collects earwax in bottles to create a candle light.
- Mr. and Mrs. Zinkoff Donald and Polly's parents. His dad is a mailman and his mother is an accountant.
- Nobody Hector's pet Lizard.
- Gary Hobin A classmate of Zinkoff and was the fastest runner in his school. He thinks Zinkoff is a disgrace that shouldn't go to school at all.
- "Oh Mailman Lady" An elderly lady who much appreciated the letter that Zinkoff gave her on "Take Donald Zinkoff to Work" day.
- "The Waiting Man" A man that waits at his window for his brother to come back that was MIA (Missing in Action) in the war.
- Mr. Yalowitz Zinkoff's 4th Grade teacher. Unlike his other teachers, Yalowitz is very considerate of Zinkoff.
- Miss Meeks Zinkoff's 1st grade teacher. Zinkoff said she and Mr. Yalowitz were his favorite teachers.
- Mrs. Biswell Zinkoff's 2nd Grade teacher. She is a strict woman who sets high expectations for students. She especially hates Zinkoff, describing him as 'the worst student she's ever had'.
- Donald Zinkoff He is a very hyper child who always loses at things, hence the title loser, and hates to sit still. (main character)
- The Furnace Monster Zinkoff's Worst Nightmare
References
- Guide for teachers
- Interview with author about the book
External links
- Author's website: Jerry Spinelli
- University of Missouri "Loser" by Jerry Spinelli Links page