| Booktalk
#1
Donald Zinkoff is a loser but
he doesn't know it. He's the kid who wore a giraffe hat on the first
day of first grade and giggles uncontrollably. He's the kind of kid
others will often say is a "geek" or a "dork". But Donald Zinkoff
doesn't car. When Donald Zinkoff is happy he likes to shout "Yahoo!"
One day, a little girl is missing in a blizzard and Donald gives his all
to try and find her. Is Donald Zinkoff really a loser? You
decide. Read Loser by Jerry Spinelli. (New
Hampshire Great Stone Face Committee)
Booktalk #2
Meet Donald Zinkoff.
We've all known a kid like him somewhere in our school days. He's
just there. He's just part of the scenery like the cars parked by
the side of the road or the green plastic cans on trash day. He's
not anyone you give much thought to. Except he seems to be having
more fun than you. He seems to see the world just a bit differently.
Donald doesn't see his shortcomings. As he grows from 1st grade through
middle school, other students do become more aware of Donald's clumsiness,
lack of good grades, lack of friends. By the time he's in 5th grade,
the word "loser" is being used when anyone talks about him. Donald
doesn't see it though. He doesn't see himself as a loser. Will
you?
Booktalk #3
"Yahoo" Zinkoff shouts in laughter
ever and ever again while falling out of his seat. Have you ever
thought you haven't fit in with 'the crowd'? The kids all laugh and make
up names for you. As your best friends come and go you never have
anyone who cares for you. Probably not, but for Donald Zinkoff it's
a whole other story! Zinkoff is the only kid who loves school, but
how, when his school doesn't love him? "Just leave Zinkoff and NEVER
come back" Many teachers say! His best friend, Hector Binns, makes
a candle out of ear wax and Zinkoff wants just like him. Why you
say, because that's just who he is. A boy with a mind filled with
a million dreams. Will Zinkoff ever make friends or be the big word
around school? Find out and read Loser by Jerry Spinelli! (Max S.,
student) |
