If you enjoyed Frindle or No Talking by Andrew Clements, then you’re in for a treat with The Losers Club! This heartwarming novel brings together creativity, friendship, and the importance of being true to yourself. It’s a great read for upper elementary students and perfect for discussing social dynamics, personal growth, and the value of reading.
Fast Facts About the Book
Title: The Losers Club
Author: Andrew Clements
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age Range: 8-12 years
Number of Pages: 227
Publication Year: 2017
Themes: Friendship, Self-Acceptance, Social Pressures, Reading
The main character, Alec, is a true book lover who struggles with balancing his passion for reading and fitting in with his peers. This relatable story is ideal for students in grades 3-6, sparking classroom discussions about individuality and the pressures of growing up. It's a wonderful way to encourage independent reading, while also talking about how social labels affect us. #classroombookreviews
Novel Overview
The Losers Club by Andrew Clements tells the story of Alec, a sixth-grader who would rather read books than pay attention in class. When summer school becomes a real possibility, Alec has to stop daydreaming and focus—but that doesn’t mean giving up his love of reading. He starts a club to ensure he can read in peace, but to avoid attracting attention, he calls it The Losers Club. However, as more students join, Alec learns valuable lessons about friendship, leadership, and the joy of books. #thelosersclub
Chasing Chapters: Plot Summary
Alec’s love for books is constantly getting him in trouble at school. To avoid summer school, he creates The Losers Club, hoping no one will join, so he can read quietly during recess. But soon, kids are drawn to the club’s relaxed atmosphere, and Alec’s plans are turned upside down. As he navigates new friendships and rivalries, Alec learns that there's more to being a “loser” than he thought—and that being yourself is the best way to win. #andrewclementsbooks
Share The Losers Club comprehension questions and 1-sentence summaries of every chapter with your class.
Educational Value
The Losers Club offers a meaningful exploration of social pressures, individuality, and the importance of staying true to yourself. It’s perfect for classroom discussions on self-acceptance and how reading can help students understand the world around them. This novel encourages students to value their personal interests, even when those interests set them apart from their peers. It’s a great tool for promoting literacy, as well as for addressing peer dynamics and self-confidence. #thelosersclubbook
Classroom Activities to Try
Writing Prompt: Alec loves to read, even though others don’t always understand. Write about a time you enjoyed something that others found boring or strange. How did you handle it?
Discussion Questions:
Why does Alec call his club The Losers Club?
How does Alec’s love of books change throughout the story?
Discuss how Alec’s friendships evolve as more kids join his club.
What does Alec learn about leadership by the end of the book?
The author, Andrew Clements, references many book titles in this novel. Which ones have you read? Would you recommend them to a friend? Find the complete list of books mentioned in the novel here.
Project Idea: Ask students to design their own book cover for The Losers Club. They can include a summary of the book and why they think reading is important.
Extension Activities: Create a Club or Accordion Display
Spend the week before a holiday break or time on a Friday afternoon allowing students to create their own "clubs". They can design the perfect club that teaches others about their favorite hobbies, games, or activities. Invite groups to present about their clubs and share why students should join. Consider having students rotate through clubs every 15 - 20 minutes so they can explore what their peers enjoy. This activity encourages cooperation and helps strengthen your classroom community.
Engage early finishers with extension projects about the book The Losers Club. Have students make an accordion display of your class’s favorite books by drawing pictures of their covers. (See chapter 37 for details). Students will need paper, tape, and markers for this craftivity. Reread Alec’s idea for his open house presentation. Encourage everyone to draw a picture of at least one favorite book cover. Tape the papers together to make a giant accordion and hang it on the walls of your classroom. Find more extension activities in my The Losers Club Novel Study resource.
Page-Turning Puzzles: Novel Trivia
How closely have you read the text in Andrew Clements' novel The Losers Club? Can you remember tiny details to answer the trivia questions below? #noveltrivia
What does EDP stand for?
Who did Alec’s parents name him after?
Who did Luke’s parents name him after?
How many books has Alec read in his lifetime?
How many members were in the Losers Club at the end of the book?
Find the answers to these trivia questions inside this The Losers Club Novel Study resource.
Hear about The Losers Club Novel Study from educators like you!
⭐️ “This resource is AMAZING! Differentiate in every way possible. I love the sample responses and my students love coloring the stickers to add to their collections.”
⭐️ “I love The Losers Club and these worksheets were the perfect companion to the book. I can’t wait to purchase another novel study from MB Creations!”
⭐️ “I am blown away by this amazing resource! It is SO COMPLETE! I didn’t have to add anything extra. I printed the workbooks and assessments and we had an amazing novel study.”
Use The Losers Club Novel Study in so many ways!
✅ Differentiate to meet the needs of all learners in your book club. Gifted students can complete projects about the novel as they read. Language learners can benefit from the character traits page with pictures and descriptions.
✅ Assign comprehension worksheets to students for homework. Have them take notes and come prepared to discuss this chapter book in class.
✅ Invite students to read The Losers Club in small groups and complete these worksheets and discussion activities together.
Find answers to your questions about this The Losers Club Novel Study:
✋ What is The Losers Club?
This realistic fictional chapter book, written by Andrew Clements, tells of a boy who starts a reading club at school. It is written for grades 3-7 with a Lexile level of 860L.
✋ What exactly is included?
Check out the preview! The detailed table of contents can help answer your questions about this book study.
✋ Why should I use this resource?
2-in-1 deal: This resource includes pages specific to the book, The Losers Club, as well as ALL the pages in my Novel Study for Any Book resource. Students will be able to write and discuss facts about the author, novel, plot, setting, characters, and theme. You can edit the projects and discussion pages on PowerPoint and assign all worksheets digitally if you choose. Students will have fun collecting stickers when they finish projects related to the book and you can grade all worksheets with the answer keys and sample responses! #novelstudyforanybook
Comments