The Loser List - by H. N. Kowitt

Did you enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but find yourself hoping for  a more likable main character? This is your book.

The Loser List is the story of Danny, a bright sixth grader who desperately wants to be cool at his new school.  Of course he doesn't want to give up his comic book obsession or his ultra-geek best friend, so what is a boy to do?  All sorts of wild stuff, in this case, including joining the gang of school thugs, a bunch of junior criminals who appreciate Danny's artistic abilities for all the wrong reasons.  Danny is a very likable character, one we can all relate to.  The way he ends up solving his problem is excellent, and the entire story is funny and interesting, with excellent illustrations.  There are far fewer pictures than you'll find in the Wimpy Kid series, but just enough to really help the story and add a bit of humor and clarity.  I did not expect this book to be as good as it was.  Really, check it out.