Loser by Jerry Spinelli

MG Contemporary, 2002 by Harper Collins, 212 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

Oh, that second grade teacher made my parent/teacher heart HURT. It was almost too much to get through.
I wanted MORE. Another chapter, another year of school, just MORE. That being said, that’s the mark of a good contemporary story.

Some of the people this child encounters give me hope. It’s a good reminder how to treat other people (and how not to) even on a bad day or when someone makes a mistake.
The entire basement scene was brilliant! It’s relatable to anyone who’s been scared of something and it’s just a great show of who this kid is deep down. Absolutely amazing. This part will stay with me.
I adore this kid. He’s well written, flawed, personable, and funny. I want only good things for him and I’ve known dozens of kids just like him. I’d read 10 books starring him.

Contemporary middle grade fans who like relatable stories about being a kid! This is similar to Ramona or a slightly older Junior B Jones.