Loser Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Name: Loser
Rating: 4.3 (3 reviews)
Author: Jerry Spinelli
ISBN: 9780060001933

Loser

by Jerry Spinelli

BookBrowse Review:

Critics' Consensus (3):

Readers' Rating (102):

First Published:
May 1, 2002, 224 pages

Paperback:
Aug 2003, 224 pages

X
- Young Adults
- USA
- Contemporary
Genres & Themes
Publication Information

Rate this book
Write a Review

About this Book

Book Club Discussion Questions

Print PDF

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

Loser is a tender story about Donald Zinkoss, a young character who demonstrates great self-acceptance and who is not afraid to fail. With the encouragement of his family, he learns to approach life with a positive spirit and to enjoy all that it has to offer. Donald faces the familiar challenges of elementary-aged children - disagreeable teachers, peer pressure, social conformity, and competition. By maintaining a strong sense of self through his experiences, Donald Zinkoff teaches us all about important and unforgettable lessons of self-esteem and happiness.

Questions for Discussion

Donald Zinkoff's mother gives him a silver star after his first day of elementary school and says "One thousand congratulations to you." Why? What are some other examples of how Donald's family demonstrates their love to him? Give examples of how their support helps Donald to develop his self-esteem.

Donald admires his teacher Miss Meeks because she calls her students "young citizens" and gives a famous opening day speech to her first grade class. Reread her speech on pages 13-17. What are Miss Meeks's attitudes about school and learning? How does Donald make his own learning adventurous, both at school and at home?

📖

Get the full reading guide

Join BookBrowse free to unlock all 7 discussion questions, author background, themes, and more for Loser.
Join free — it takes 30 seconds
Already a member? Log in →

How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of HarperTrophy. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

Membership Advantages

Reviews

"Beyond the Book" articles

Free books to read and review (US only)

Find books by time period, setting & theme

Read-alike suggestions by book and author

Book club discussions

and much more!

Just $60 for 12 months or $20 for 3 months.

More about membership!