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cosmo_junk's review against another edition
5.0
great for neurodivergent or otherwise "weird" kids (like me :]) ngl i got a little teary at the scenes with the old man at the window.
protoman21's review against another edition
4.0
Although this book was a wandering collection of random anecdotes, I still did find it enjoyable. Donald is a unique and lovable character who amazingly stays a "loser" the whole book and in the end, we just come to accept that that is who he is and that it is ok.
newdayvow's review against another edition
3.0
I was invested in the main character, but the ending left me wanting more.
slichto3's review against another edition
3.0
This is a very sweet and very solid book - it just didn't really thrill me. It's about a kid named Zinkoff who is about as happy-go-lucky as you can be. He is relentlessly optimistic and happy about the world. He appreciates life and fun stuff, and doesn't get even a tad bothered by negative stuff. Even though that negative stuff really comes at him, because Zinkoff is far from perfect. He has terrible handwriting and is an awful athlete. He is always cheerful in a way that annoys others, and he even enjoys things that others hate - like school! So Zinkoff is not at all popular among his peers. That makes the story kind of sad. Every other kid is kind of a jerk to him. But still, Zinkoff keeps his chin up and shows himself to be a good person regardless.
It's a sweet look at a sweet kid growing up. It also has a great message about enjoying what you have, and being the best you can be, regardless of the standards other people set for you and the hate others throw your way. Loser is an enjoyable and valuable book to read. It's just not amazing. Which is fine, I'd still recommend it. You'll have a good time and gain a strong appreciation for life if you give this book a try.
It's a sweet look at a sweet kid growing up. It also has a great message about enjoying what you have, and being the best you can be, regardless of the standards other people set for you and the hate others throw your way. Loser is an enjoyable and valuable book to read. It's just not amazing. Which is fine, I'd still recommend it. You'll have a good time and gain a strong appreciation for life if you give this book a try.
liftyourheavyeyelids's review against another edition
4.0
When I was in 5th grade my teacher read this book out loud to my class. I loved it then, and after rereading it as an adult, I love it now. I think this is potentially an important book for kids to read around the time of 4th-6th grades, because it can teach empathy. It subtly deals with loneliness and bullying in ways that leave a more lasting impression than someone telling you outright that bullying is wrong. I guess, in a way it shows the reader the damage of bullying and making fun of others rather than telling the reader.
ashliha's review against another edition
3.0
Surprisingly grown up, and kinda sad. It just kind of ends. The book is a lot like a kid version of the kind of books I love: an absolute antihero, depressing ideas, and an abrupt ending without a real solution.
jennymock's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. This book would be an excellent read aloud or class read if you focused on how we perceive ourself and others as we grow up. I love that Zinkoff stays true to himself and never gives up. With a little explanation I think I could get a few students to check it out of the library. I'll find out in the Fall.
cdale8's review against another edition
3.0
This is one that I pre-read to see if I could leave it out for my reluctant reader (that has been on a Gordon Korman kick) to pick up for his required reading log. I liked the theme that you may not always fit in, or be good at what other people prize, but that doesn't mean you don't have worth.