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Loser

(2003, Fiction - School, Written by Jerry Spinelli)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    A moving, funny, lyrical tale with big appeal.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Zinkoff vomits often.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Loser

Parents need to know that the main character is a good-hearted kid who endures cruel treatment from his classmates for being a "loser." The upside is that he's an utterly loveable hero, and there's so much to discuss here that a family, or a class, could spend days talking it over, which is why it's already a favorite with discussion groups.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what it means to be human, and what it means to grow up. It might also be fun to combine a discussion about the book with the screening of a movie about growing up, such as Wide Awake, or one about not growing up, such as Peter Pan.

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Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Loser?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 30 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Great for tweens 10+

    Make fake tobacco spit marks on the sidewalk, other than that, great influence.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Definately read this book!

    this book was so good and an easy to read book, and its just the right length. it makes you realize new things in life and teaches a great lesson! i loved this book!

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    loser

    it is a verry good book

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 2.0

    OK

    i didn't really enjoy this book

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 2.0

    Not so good

    I read this book and I had to practically force myself to finish it. I do not recommend reading "Loser".

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