LoveReading4Kids Says
One of our Books of the Year 2016 | In a nutshell: sad | funny| touching | Susin Nielsen has won many fans for her poignant, character-driven stories of young people in difficult situations. Ambrose, the eponymous word nerd, is just such a central character: he’s isolated and lonely – shocked by the sudden death of his father his mother is anxious and over-protective – socially awkward too. His life changes when he strikes up a kind of friendship a neighbour, without telling his mum because Cosmo is a former drug addict with a prison record. This in turn leads to more friends as the two join a local Scrabble club, and a happy outcome for each. Readers will totally believe in this friendship, and root for Ambrose and Cosmo. A feel-good story filled with memorable characters, and one that sneaks all sorts of truths about life past its readers too.
Readers who enjoy Word Nerd will also like A Seven Letter Word by Kim Slater, which also uses Scrabble as a hook for a moving story about struggling young people, while Stacey Matson writes satisfying, heart-warming stories about kids overcoming problems. ~ Andrea Reece
LoveReading4Kids
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Susin Nielsen Press Reviews
'Ambrose Bukowski is the titular nerd and it's in his delightful, disarming voice that Word Nerd unfolds ... a funny, wry tale' Globe and Mail
'This is a tender, often funny story with some really interesting characters. It will appeal to word nerds, but even more to anyone who has ever longed for acceptance or had to fight unreasonable parental restrictions' School Library Journal, starred review
'Enlivened by the witty, articulate musings of a hyper-observant and eccentric protagonist, Word Nerd is also chock-full of valuable lessons about being yourself and giving second chances. A page-turner' Quill & Quire
Praise for We are All Made of Molecules:
'There are many great voices in YA fiction, but Susin Nielsen manages to give us TWO in the same book. I defy you not to fall in love with this book.' Phil Earle
'Snappy and witty. A really fine YA novel.' Martin Chilton Telegraph Books
'A book to fortify readers against bullies and homophobes.' Nicolette Jones Sunday Times
'I loved We Are All Made of Molecules, it's a really special little book with a huge heart and one of the most enjoyable YA books I've read in some time' Melissa Cox, Waterstones
'There's already so much love out there for this one, and deservedly so. Two of the most memorable characters you will read this year... Nielsen deals with some big issues - grief, loss, bullying and homophobia - but anchors the story with terrific warmth and humour. One to make you laugh, cry and read in one sitting.' -- Fiona Noble Editor's Choice, The Bookseller
'There's so much to love about this story, but what grabbed me most is the humour. Who do I write to to join the Susin Nielsen fan club?' -- Christopher Paul Curtis
‘I defy you not to fall in love with this book’ Phil Earle
‘Bursts of laughter and moments of sadness - what a gem!’ Kew Bookshop
‘Irresistible characters, this is set to become one of the most popular books of the year’ Lovereading
‘Nielsen excels at characterisation... Unputdownable.‘ INIS
‘One of the best YA books I’ve read. It pulled me from the depths of a month-long reading slump... It made me excited to read again’ Wondrous Reads
‘Susin Nielsen’s depiction of grief was pitch perfect. A sweet, funny, touching and incredibly important book’
So Many Books, So Little Time
About Susin Nielsen
Susin Nielsen got her start feeding cast and crew on the popular television series, Degrassi Junior High. They hated her food, but they saw a spark in her writing. Nielsen went on to pen sixteen episodes of the hit TV show. Since then, Nielsen has written for many Canadian TV series. Nielsen's first two young adult novels, Word Nerd and Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom, received critical acclaim and multiple Young Readers' Choice Awards. The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen won the prestigious Governor General's Literary Award, the Canadian Library Association's Children's Book of the Year and many Young Readers' Choice Awards. She lives in Vancouver with her family and two extremely destructive cats.
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