The Loser List

In a book that mimics Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series both in scope and design, seventh-grader Danny is trying to navigate choppy middle-school waters. "I'm about halfway down the food chain," he explains. "Not president of the Mathletes, but no one's saving me a seat at the Cool Table. I can't afford a lot of slippage." After the budding comics artist refuses to hand over his beloved drawing pen to a classmate, she adds his and his friend Jasper's names to the "Loser List" scribbled on the girls' bathroom wall. Danny's attempt to eradicate their names lands him in detention, where he finds an unlikely ally in school bully Axl, which alienates Danny from Jasper, among other complications. The story unfolds in a handwritten-looking font on lined pages amid ample spot illustrations. Danny's cartoons, sidebars, and lists ("Top Three Signs You're Going to Summer School") should enhance the book's appeal for reluctant readers. The design of Kowitt's (The Sweetheart Deal) story ought to attract Wimpy Kid fans, and the book's "be yourself" message makes it a more earnest alternative. Ages 8–12. (Apr.)