Loser

Jerry Spinelli writes about the power of individuality over the need to fit in; the importance of attitudes to failure and how any name can ultimately be replaced with 'hero'.

This is a powerful novel of a young boy who is like all kids, yet unlike all kids. 'Loser' is unique, a one-off, a touching and powerful book about the pull of individuality over the need to fit in . . .

Donald Zinkoff has a problem. And it isn't just his name. Though, having a name beginning with Z does cause him lots of problems, not least making him last to be called for everything. Donald's main problem is his happiness; his happiness leads to laughter - loud laughter.

It sometimes gets him into trouble at school. It sometimes gives people the wrong impression. His classmates think he is bonkers, a loser. But Donald is blissfully unaware of this. He is the eternal optimist - a delight. Through the novel we see snapshots of Donald's live as he progresses through his first year in school to his graduation to high school.