I don't usually review kid lit, but this one is an exception. Loser, by Jerry Spinelli is about kids, but the running theme works for all ages. People value others based solely on skill.
I was reminded of this as we read a news report about who wouldn't be worth saving in case of a pandemic. It's the same question, how do you put value on a life?
The character the title refers to starts out as a "young pup", running happily, racing cars without the concept of losing to them. He begins school and enthusiastically nods as the teacher calculates how many days of school they have before graduating high school. He's happy because the number is so big, he thinks school will never end.
In later grades other students notice he's different. He doesn't get good grades, he sucks at sports, and he even trips when he walks. Before long he is branded a
loser.
Does it matter that he's optimistic and likable? That he's determined to overcome challenges he deemed worthwhile? Can the poor guy do anything right? It will take us 200 pages (give or take a few) to find out.
Whether it's beginning for us or we've faced it for years, the struggle is the same. Survival of the Fittest is alive and well, even in Christian circles. After all, a little healthy competition never hurt anyone, right?
Popularity contests continue until death, but thankfully in the Kingdom there's a place for the losers.
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