A boy who is known as a geek or loser, gets wrapped up in the wrong crowd.

Genre: Fiction
Age(s): 7-10

Danny Shine is twelve years old and in grade seven. He’s not good at sports but he loves to draw. When Danny runs afoul of Chantal Davis, she informs him that she’ll be adding his name to the loser list in the girl’s bathroom at school. Danny’s best friend, Jasper is not worried about being labelled as a geek and doesn’t care if his name is put on the loser list but Danny is bothered by the threat. A lunchtime tangle with the school’s biggest bully (Axl Ryan) followed by a failed attempt to remove his name from the loser list results in Danny joining Axl and other members of the Skull gang in an after school detention. “We stared at each other. Him: studded wristband, greasy blond hair stuffed into a do-rag, and army jacket. Me: Acme Exterminators tee, video watch and grandfather sweater.” Danny is terrified of Axl and is sure he will be beaten until Axl shows off his Sharpie tattoo and Danny knows that he can draw “Something really cool and unique, something that’s you know, worthy of the Skulls.”

It is not long until the threat of a beating subsides and Danny is creating cool tattoos for Axl and his sidekicks. Danny enjoys his new celebrity until Axl steals a comic book from a shop Danny frequents. Suddenly Danny finds himself accused of theft and regretting his association with the thugs.

A clever tactic by Danny and Jasper enables Danny to escape the clutches of the gang and restore his reputation.

Best for children aged eight through twelve, The Loser List has a positive message about self acceptance and friendship. It will have a special appeal for boys

Jake's Review: I really liked the illustrations and the way the book looks like it is journal. I think the book is more suited for an older boy who likes girls, because I thinks girls are gross. I think it's cool that he gets to go to comic book stores all the time. The book is funny but I think mom thought it was funnier because she kept snorting while reading it. I didn't like the bullies because they were really mean and they took advantage of Danny and stole stuff. I would like to read more books like this but with less stuff about liking icky girls.
Jake's Rating: 8/10

Mom's Review: I really enjoyed this one. I actually think I liked it better than Jake did. It made me laugh my head off (again proud of myself for not using colorful language when reviewing kids books) on many occasions. The book really comes off like it was written by a 12 year old boy (impressive since it is written by a women) and I think will really resonate with the intended audience. I love these types of books and wish they had them when my hubby was growing up, than he might have actually have learned to like books. These are great for reluctant readers and those growing out of chapter books but not quite ready for novels. The illustrations add a lot to the story without being too distracting. Moral of book done in a brilliant non mushy way so that kids don't realize they are being taught something. I loved on the Loser List where the one boy is put on the list just because he is Canadian --hmm still sensitive Americans about us sending you packing in 1812 -- just joking guys you know I love you. I also liked the set up of the book so it looks like it is being written in a notebook. I usually don't do quotes when I am doing Mom and Me Mondays -- but I just had to share this one with you

"In comics, you find a world that's wild and weird, but where the rules are very clear - unlike middle school. Superman knows he can't mess with Kryptonite. My school is weird too, but there's no rule book. You just have to stumble through, hoping you're not committing some crime you were unaware of - wearing the wrong sneakers, say, or liking bluegrass music."

Mom's Rating: 9.5/10 ( )