View From the 5th Grade Trenches - December 2010

One of the hardest lessons to teach a child is to celebrate and value their authentic self.  There are so many messages in the media, movies, and on television of what we “should be,” that sometimes who “we are” pales in comparison to all the larger than life examples.  This is especially true of children who are still puzzling out their unique place in the world. 

In his book, LOSER, Jerry Spinelli, gifts the reader with a joyful guide to celebrate one’s true self through his character, Donald Zinkoff.  This awkward, out of step hero teaches us that everyone has their own distinctive note to sing in our global symphony, and that note is a precious treasure.

Here are some insights from the 5^th grade trenches on the extraordinary story of Donald Zinkoff. 

Zinkoff never gave up, he’s sweet, and doesn’t get discouraged by what people think or say about him.  JERRY, LEXI, SIERRA

Zinkoff is a true hero.  CADE

It is amazing to see such a positive person.  KAIT

The lesson, don’t judge a person without knowing them, is plain awesome. PRATIK

I love the old lady and the sandwich.  CALEB

If I got stuck in the snow, I wouldn’t put used gum in my mouth.  CARLOS

The best part is when Zinkoff went looking for Claudia.  I almost cried.

ASHLEY D., HUNTER, ASHLEY S.

Zinkoff is always joyful.  KAYLA

Zinkoff is very responsible to his friends.  If he were real, I would be his friend.  SAL

To quote Jerry Spinelli, from LOSER:

“And the Z shall be first.”

Thank you Jerry Spinelli for bringing Zinkoff into our lives.