The Not So Nice Neighbor (Shermy and Shake)
by Kirby Larson (Author) Shinji Fujioka (Illustrator)
Will summer break be a drag or a blast for meticulous Shermy when rambunctious Shake moves in next door? From Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson comes a bighearted chapter book about two boys' friendship.
When a new kid comes to stay with his grandmother at the house next door, Shermy's plans for a quiet, relaxing summer are completely upended. That's because Shake is nothing like Shermy. And Shermy is nothing like Shake. Shermy likes to read quietly in the shade of a tree. He knows the proper way to do a puzzle. He collects treasures in the pouch he wears around his neck, and the books on his shelves are alphabetized by author. Shake likes to play street hockey or space explorers. He gobbles up rocket ice pops and Toaster Tarts. He shows up unannounced and plays board games by his own rules.
As the two boys are forced to spend more and more time together, will they learn how to get along? Or will it be one long countdown until Shake goes home?
Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson teams up with debut illustrator Shinji Fujioka to create a humorous and heartfelt ode to summer--and to unexpected friendships.
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Publishers Weekly
An improbable friendship develops over summer vacation in this understated slice-of-life story from Larson (the Audacity Jones books). The beginnings of Shermy's school break are unassuming, involving bickering with his older sister, fielding gentle reprimands about not wearing his glasses, and dutifully completing chores. Things take a sudden turn, however, when Shermy meets the neighbor's visiting grandson, Shake, who in short order claims to be from both Jupiter and Walla Walla, then gobbles the last Toaster Tart in Shermy's kitchen. Shermy, who enjoys orderly pursuits including puzzles and reading slowly (to "taste every word"), finds much irritating about energetic Shake, who loses a favorite Frisbee, enters Shermy's room without knocking, and spoils the plot of a half-finished book. But an organic companionship nevertheless slowly builds between them, taking root across brief episodes that give tender credence to Shermy's frustration and Shake's desire to connect. Shake helps manage Shermy's disappointment when a Fourth of July celebration falls flat, and Shermy starts to appreciate Shake as a lonely child parted from his honeymooning mother. Earnestly told, low-conflict vignettes affirm the compassion and understanding that friendship can require to bloom. Occasional b&w illustrations from debut illustrator Fujioka show the protagonists with pale skin. Ages 6-9. Author's agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary Management. Illustrator's agent: Lori Kilkelly, LK Literary. (May)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
--Booklist Divided into three sections, each titled by month, this fast-moving tale features short chapters and black-and-white illustrations throughout. Those looking to transition into longer chapter books will find this one accessible, and the storyline will resonate—readers will be eager to read more in this series.
—Kirkus Reviews When Shake comes to stay with his grandmother for the summer, it's an earthquake in the quiet life of bookish Shermy, who likes everything just so. . . but somehow, as the days tick by, the experiences add up to an opposites-attract friendship.
—The Virginian Pilot
JUV005000 - Juvenile Fiction | Boys & Men
Emotions
Individual differences
Opposites
