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by Carol Gorman
A novel for young readers.
Featured in School Library Media Activities Monthly. "Mean Tricks Played: Jerry Flack's Political Journey" by Gary Zingher. (Vol XXV, No.1, pages 39-41/ September 2008.)
At first it seems like a great idea -- being in the Student government might even be cool. But before Jerry can even decide to run. He discovers that he already has an opponent: someone willing to do almost anything to get Jerry not to run -- someone who wants to convince the whole class that no one wants a dork for president.Last year Jerry Flack was running from his status as a dork but this year he is willing to risk his new found image to run for class president. This year he is using his intelligence and sense of humor to combat his rival, a class bully. Brenda is still one of his best friends, and together with several out-spoken classmates Jerry forges ahead on the campaign trail. This book is a winner.
- Nominee 2005 --- Garden State Children's Book Award (New Jersey)
- Nominee 2006-07 --- Iowa Children's Choice Award
Comments and Reviews:
"In Dork on the Run by Carol Gorman, unconventionally cool Dork in Disguise star Jerry Flack risks his newfound, un-dorklike reputation by running for class president." -- Publishers Weekly"... the likable protagonist ... wonders whether, "depending on who you are, there's always someone cooler who can make you feel like a dork?" Deciding to embrace and celebrate his own lack of cool, Jerry breezes to victory in a fast-paced story that will appeal to the dork in us all." -- The Horn Book
"Gorman's touch is light as well as accurate and incisive. Her preteen kids seem real and, for the most part, emotionally healthy; even the world-weary new girl is impressed by Flack's cool in the face of political battle. Of course, Flack is a dork, but in his own way, he's a model to emulate." -- Booklist
"If there was ever a quintessential book on dealing with bullies, this is it. ...All in all, Dork on the Run is a winner as a thoughtful read and a discussion starter." -- School Library Journal
"...an enjoyable, ...amusing read with a resourceful protagonist that has something to say about both being true to and standing up for one's self." -- Kirkus Reviews
Connections to Make- By anyone's definition Gabe Marshall, Jerry's campaign opponent, is a bully and Jerry must deal with him. Make a list of ten strategies Jerry tries to use to diffuse Gabe's efforts to bully him.
- In a sub-plot Jerry's six-year-old sister is being bullied by a third grader. Make a list of strategies that his sister uses to dispel the bully's actions. Are there different techniques that are more effective for older bullies as compared to those strategies that work for younger students?
- Make a list of how you would deal with a bully. Would you try kindnesses instead of retaliation?
- Develop a campaign website for Jerry Flack.
© 2007-2009 Carol Gorman
All rights reserved.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa USA