The Losers Club

Gr 3-6--Sixth grader Alec, a true bibliophile, would rather read for pleasure than listen to his teachers, which often lands him in trouble with his parents, his teachers, and the principal. When Alec joins the after-school program, he is forced to pick a club, and quietly reading is not an option. Alec comes up with a plan to create a club that no kid would ever want to join, the Losers Club, where he can sit alone and read. He does not anticipate, however, that there are others like him who might want to join. Much to Alec's dismay, the Losers Club soon becomes the most popular group in the program. As the club thrives and Alec makes new friends and reconnects with old ones, he learns that while he does not have to change who he is, he should not let real life pass him by. Clements's latest is engaging and funny. Book lovers and reluctant readers alike will enjoy the relatable characters, realistic dialogue, and humorous scenes. Alec's confidence in himself and his ability to solve his problems while staying true to himself are refreshing. A list of the titles mentioned throughout the novel is included. VERDICT A laugh-out-loud first purchase for all middle grade collections, and a solid read-aloud choice for classrooms.--Marissa Lieberman, East Orange Public Library, NJ

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Sixth grader Alec Spencer spends most of his time reading--in real life he's harassed by his neighbor and former friend Kent, and books are a welcome escape. But Alec's constant reading is putting him in the academic danger zone (summer school is a distinct possibility). At the after-school program Alec is participating in, the options are to do homework, join a club, or create one; just sitting and reading isn't allowed. So he starts a club for silent reading and calls it the Losers Club to keep membership small, though he does invite new student Nina. But others soon want to join, and both Alec and Kent develop a crush on Nina. Inveterate readers will instantly relate to Alec's passion and plight, and Clements (The Map Trap) once again effectively taps into the challenges of middle school social politics and mapping out one's identity. This empathetic coming-of-age journey makes it clear how limiting and pointless labels can be, and that both books and real life have quite a bit to offer. Ages 8-12. Agent: Amy Berkower, Writers House. (Aug.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"Book lovers and reluctant readers alike will enjoy the relatable characters, realistic dialogue, and humorous scenes." —School Library Journal, Starred Review

"I LOVED this book...Five stars. I cannot wait to talk about this when we head back to school next year. I think my fifth graders are going to love it."—Colby Sharp, teacher, blogger, and co-founder of the Nerdy Bookclub

"Clements once again effectively taps into the challenges of middle school social politics and mapping out one's identity. This empathetic coming-of-age journey makes it clear how limiting and pointless labels can be."—Publishers Weekly

"Best-selling author of beloved school stories, Clements (Frindle, 1998) celebrates readers, inclusion, and the joy of discovering new books. Refreshing and empowering."—Booklist

"Clements' text is an homage to the power of books, but it also reminds booklovers old and new that real life experiences—in all of their messiness—can be as exhilarating as those described in the cherished stories of beloved books."—The Bulletin

Praise for Andrew Clements!
"Clements is a genius." —The New York Times

"We have never read an Andrew Clements book that we haven't loved." —The Washington Post

* "The master of the . . . feel-good school story." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred

"Clements's style . . . will easily capture the attention of even the most reluctant readers." —School Library Journal