Pack of Dorks

(Hardback)

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Description

Lucy knows that kissing Tom Lemmings behind the ball shed will make her a legend. But she doesnt count on that quick clap of lips propelling her from coolest to lamest fourth grader overnight. Suddenly Lucy finds herself trapped in Dorkdom, where a diamond ring turns your finger green, where the boy you kiss hates you three days later, where your best friend laughs as you cry, where parents seem to stop liking you, and where baby sisters are born different.
Now Lucy has a choice: she can be like her former best friend Becky, who would do anything to claim her seat at the cool table in the cafeteria, or Lucy can pull up a chair among the solo eatersalso known as the dorks. Still unsure, Lucy partners with super quiet Sam Righter on a research project about wolves. Lucy connects her own school hierarchy with what she learns about animal pack lifewhere some wolves pin down weaker ones just because they can, and others risk everything to fight their given place in the pack. Soon Lucy finds her third option: creating a pack of her own, even if it is simply a pack of dorks.
Weaving tough issues, including bullying, loyalty, and disability, with a thread of snarky humor, family bonds, and fresh perspective, Pack of Dorks paints characters coming-of-age and coming-to-terms. Beth Vrabels stellar debut contemporary middle grade novel is sure to please fans of Jack Gantos, Elizabeth Atkinson, and Judy Blume.
Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readerspicture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Reviews

"Debut author Vrabel takes three knotty, seemingly disparate problemsbullying, the plight of wolves and coping with disabilityand with tact and grace knits them into an engrossing whole of despair and redemption. . . . Useful tips for dealing with bullying are neatly incorporated into the tale but with a refreshing lack of didacticism. Lucy's perfectly feisty narration, emotionally resonant situations and the importance of the topic all elevate this effort well above the pack." Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Lucys growth and smart, funny observations entertain and empower in Vrabels debut, a story about the benefits of embracing ones true self and treating others with respect." Publishers Weekly

"Pack of Dorks nails the pitfalls of popularity and celebrates the quirks in all of us! An empowering tale of true friendships, family ties, and social challenges, you won't want to stop reading about Lucy and her pack... a heartwarming story to which everyone can relate." Elizabeth Atkinson, author of I, Emma Freke

A book about all kinds of differences, with all kinds of heart. Lucy and her pack of dorks are hilarious and lovable. Kristen Chandler, author of Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me and Girls Dont Fly

"Beth Vrabel's humorous debut, Pack of Dorks, takes a fresh look at what it means to embrace what makes you and the ones you love different. While Lucy navigated the social hierarchy of intermediate school, I found myself alternating between laughing with her and cringing on her behalf. The novel is a must read for anyone trying to survive fourth grade or anyone who remembers what it was like. Pack of Dorks is the pack I want to join." Amanda Flower, author of Agatha Award nominee Andi Unexpected

Beth Vrabels stellar writing captivates readers from the start as she weaves a powerful story of friendship and hardship. Vrabels debut novel speaks to those struggling for acceptance and inspires them to look within themselves for the strength and courage to battle real-life issues. Buffy Andrews, author of The Lion Awakens and Freaky Frank

"This realistic story draws readers into Lucys struggle to untangle the messy social-hierarchy of school, all while adjusting to a new home front that includes a special needs, baby sister. The first person narration delicately illustrates Lucys innocence, strength, and uncertainty in a tale that encourages hope, as well as acceptance. Beth Vrabel weaves an authentic, emotional journey that makes her a standout among debut authors." Kerry O'Malley Cerra, author of Just a Drop of Water
"Debut author Vrabel takes three knotty, seemingly disparate problemsbullying, the plight of wolves and coping with disabilityand with tact and grace knits them into an engrossing whole of despair and redemption. . . . Useful tips for dealing with bullying are neatly incorporated into the tale but with a refreshing lack of didacticism. Lucy's perfectly feisty narration, emotionally resonant situations and the importance of the topic all elevate this effort well above the pack." Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Lucys growth and smart, funny observations entertain and empower in Vrabels debut, a story about the benefits of embracing ones true self and treating others with respect." Publishers Weekly

"Pack of Dorks nails the pitfalls of popularity and celebrates the quirks in all of us! An empowering tale of true friendships, family ties, and social challenges, you won't want to stop reading about Lucy and her pack... a heartwarming story to which everyone can relate." Elizabeth Atkinson, author of I, Emma Freke

A book about all kinds of differences, with all kinds of heart. Lucy and her pack of dorks are hilarious and lovable. Kristen Chandler, author of Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me and Girls Dont Fly

"Beth Vrabel's humorous debut, Pack of Dorks, takes a fresh look at what it means to embrace what makes you and the ones you love different. While Lucy navigated the social hierarchy of intermediate school, I found myself alternating between laughing with her and cringing on her behalf. The novel is a must read for anyone trying to survive fourth grade or anyone who remembers what it was like. Pack of Dorks is the pack I want to join." Amanda Flower, author of Agatha Award nominee Andi Unexpected

Beth Vrabels stellar writing captivates readers from the start as she weaves a powerful story of friendship and hardship. Vrabels debut novel speaks to those struggling for acceptance and inspires them to look within themselves for the strength and courage to battle real-life issues. Buffy Andrews, author of The Lion Awakens and Freaky Frank

"This realistic story draws readers into Lucys struggle to untangle the messy social-hierarchy of school, all while adjusting to a new home front that includes a special needs, baby sister. The first person narration delicately illustrates Lucys innocence, strength, and uncertainty in a tale that encourages hope, as well as acceptance. Beth Vrabel weaves an authentic, emotional journey that makes her a standout among debut authors." Kerry O'Malley Cerra, author of Just a Drop of Water

Author Bio

Beth Vrabel is the award-winning author of A Blind Guide to Stinkville, A Blind Guide to Normal, and the Pack of Dorks series. She can't clap to the beat or be trusted around Nutella, but indulges in both often, much to the dismay of her family. She lives in the Dallas, Texas area.