On the first day of every school year, he wants to know how many days of school are left until he graduates from highschool - not because he can't wait to get out, but because he luxuriates in the notion of all that time. He laughs so hard at words that he thinks are funny that he falls out of his chair and can't breathe. He doesn't "get" other kids, really, but most of the time he has so much fun with his life that it doesn't really matter. This is just totally excellent and beautiful. As readers follow Zinkoff from first through sixth grade, it becomes impossible not to identify with and root for him through failures and triumphs. With some of his finest writing to date and great wit and humor, Jerry Spinelli creates a story about a boy's individuality surpassing the need to fit in and the genuine importance of failure. And one winter night, Zinkoff's differences show that any name can someday become "hero." He doesn't know he's not like everyone else. Other kids have their own word to describe him, but Zinkoff is too busy to hear it. But Zinkoff also raises his hand with all the wrong answers, trips over his own feet, and falls down with laughter over a word like "Jabip." Just like other kids, Zinkoff rides his bike, hopes for snow days, and wants to be like his dad when he grows up. This classic book is perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and Carl Hiaasen. From renowned Newbery-winning author Jerry Spinelli comes a powerful story about how not fitting in just might lead to an incredible life.
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