Choldenko, Gennifer. One-Third Nerd. Eglantine Ceulemans, Illus. Fiction. Random, 01/2019. 224pp. $16.99. 978-1-5247-1888-6. PLB $19.99. 978-1-5247-1889-3. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES 3-7.
Choldenko’s newest novel targets slightly younger readers than her Al Capone series. She involves younger siblings, includes b&w sketch illustrations (only some completed for this ARC), and includes many humorous situations. Fifth grader Liam has recently-divorced parents, and he is now living with his two younger sisters and mom in a small apartment unit, in which their dog Cupcake keeps having peeing problems. So, the kids try various efforts to raise money for a vet to help the dog. Liam also wants his parents back together and to not be responsi-ble for his sisters; one of them is super smart and not socially aware, and the other has Down syndrome. This likely-white urban family has plenty giving them trouble, which their diverse community of neighbors and friends (Latino and black) do help out once Liam works past his feelings of not wanting others to know their full situation. Review based on an ARC.
Joshua Rees, Daly City Public Library