The Loser List

Gr 4—7—Danny Shine is having a rough time in middle school. He is a geek with a penchant for upsetting bullies, which is how his name ends up on The Loser List in the girls' bathroom. Things start looking up, though, when he miraculously befriends the biggest bully of all. Unfortunately, this friendship comes with a price, and Danny soon finds himself in a lot of trouble. Can he find his way out before everyone hates him? This is an adequate book that's trying to fill the "Wimpy Kid" (Abrams) niche. However, Danny is a better role model than Greg Heffley, as he is less self-centered and more concerned with doing what is right, but the book itself comes off as a blatant knockoff. The biggest difference between the two is the lack of parental involvement in The Loser List, which is a little odd when considering the character. Kids looking for a good "Wimpy Kid" read-alike should consider Lincoln Peirce's "Big Nate" chapter books (HarperCollins) instead, but fans of the format will be content. This is strictly an additional purchase.—Elizabeth Swistock, Jefferson Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville, VA