Dork on the Run

From Publishers Weekly
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. Ages 8-12.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-If there was ever a quintessential book on dealing with bullies, this is it. Jerry Flack, star of Dork in Disguise (HarperCollins, 1999), is now running for class president of the sixth grade at the urging of his friend Brenda. Unfortunately, he is opposed by Gabe Marshall, who is hell-bent on making Jerry's life miserable and, worse, catching his embarrassing moments on film. Jerry reacts first with revenge, then helplessness and humiliation, and, finally, empowerment. He uses what he calls "mental akido" to promote his dorkiness with humor and intelligence that kids will admire. Realistically, the boy refuses to let adults in on any of the harassment even when it includes shoving him outside a second-floor window. Eventually, a teacher catches on to the torment and the bullies are punished, but Jerry seems far too relaxed about their comeuppance, given all he's been through. His classmates and other students at Hawthorne Middle School react in a refreshingly true-to-life manner: sometimes they are for Jerry, sometimes they enjoy Gabe's pranks. A subplot about a third grader who is bullying Jerry's little sister is nicely integrated, as is the addition of a new cool girl who used to live in Hollywood, and her effect on the school. All in all, Dork on the Run is a winner as a thoughtful read and a discussion starter.Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 4-7. Sixth-grader Jerry Flack, of Dork in Disguise (1999), has grown beyond having the epithet "dork" get in the way of his self-esteem. Now he's running for class president, using his intelligence and sense of humor to combat his bullying rival. Aided by his best friend, almost-too-good-to-be-true Brenda, and a charming assortment of mouthy peers, Jerry sportingly tries ice skating (he unceremoniously lands on his rear) and mounting a Web page to advertise his political agenda--only to be conned into posting unflattering pictures. As the sixth-graders grapple with cliques, bullying, and determining what elected officials should and can do to effect changes in school, Flack's six-year-old sister has her own challenges as the center of a subplot showing even younger children bullying one other. 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. Francisca Goldsmith
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
A Dork for
President?

ANNOTATION

Having reluctantly agreed to run for sixth-grade president, Jerry, who has been trying to change his image as a dork, finds his opponent playing dirty tricks on him.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Jerry Flack can't forget that last year he was a dork.

But this year, in a new town, at a new school, things have gotten better. His social life isn't quite as embarrassing as it once was. In fact, he feels almost normal. That is, until he thinks about running for class president.

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.

Is it worth the risk of running for class president if it means a return to the depths of dorkdom?

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Children's NOTES Series and Sequels Familiar characters and continuing story lines carry on in a number of books this season. 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. (June) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-If there was ever a quintessential book on dealing with bullies, this is it. Jerry Flack, star of Dork in Disguise (HarperCollins, 1999), is now running for class president of the sixth grade at the urging of his friend Brenda. Unfortunately, he is opposed by Gabe Marshall, who is hell-bent on making Jerry's life miserable and, worse, catching his embarrassing moments on film. Jerry reacts first with revenge, then helplessness and humiliation, and, finally, empowerment. He uses what he calls "mental akido" to promote his dorkiness with humor and intelligence that kids will admire. Realistically, the boy refuses to let adults in on any of the harassment even when it includes shoving him outside a second-floor window. Eventually, a teacher catches on to the torment and the bullies are punished, but Jerry seems far too relaxed about their comeuppance, given all he's been through. His classmates and other students at Hawthorne Middle School react in a refreshingly true-to-life manner: sometimes they are for Jerry, sometimes they enjoy Gabe's pranks. A subplot about a third grader who is bullying Jerry's little sister is nicely integrated, as is the addition of a new cool girl who used to live in Hollywood, and her effect on the school. All in all, Dork on the Run is a winner as a thoughtful read and a discussion starter.-Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews