Non-fiction recounting the author’s analysis of a plethora of reference materials, along with results of interviews of both students and experts, showing the long-term value of non-conformity. The author has coined the term “quirk theory” to describe the results of her analysis.
In the author’s words: “Quirk Theory: Many of the differences that cause a student to be excluded in school are the same traits or real-world skills that others will value, love, respect, or find compelling about that person in adulthood and outside of the school setting...Quirk theory is intended to validate students’ inability or refusal to follow the crowd. It serves as a way to explain that, once they leave the school setting, their lives can improve.”

Robbins explains the science behind meanness, exclusion, social labeling, and group dynamics. She observes that high school groups tend to value popularity and conformity, while ignoring, excluding, or even bullying those viewed as “different.” She offers hope to the non-popular individuals that their lives will improve once they move on to college or work environments. She focuses on seven individuals who identify as nerd, band geek, new girl, gamer, weird girl, loner, and popular. She documents the pressures to conform and the inner struggles of those viewed as “inferior.” The author issues a challenge to the seven individuals and discusses their progress with them many times over the course of a school year.

The book reads like a series of anecdotes (from the seven individuals) interspersed with a summary of research. I think has merit in helping understand the issues related to group intolerance. It could give hope to those feeling marginalized. Robbins offers suggestions on how to overcome (or at least better ignore) the ostracism they are currently experiencing. She also offers ideas for how parents and schools can help nurture the self-esteem of students with atypical interests, unique style, or extraordinary skills. The same individuals who are tormented in high school can become some of our most prominent thinkers, artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators. It encourages acceptance of others, which I think is an admirable goal. I found it informative and thought-provoking .

Recommended to those interested in the psychology of groups, students feeling like they don’t quite “fit in,” and the educators and parents of such students. Contains profanity, homophobia, and references to underage drinking, sex, and drug usage.
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Some good passages, best for parents of middle schoolers and high school freshmen. ( )

When I read it more than 10 years ago I liked it. Now I'm not sure what "geek" really means. ( )

I really wanted to like this book. Eventually, the format of following seven individual quirky students got confusing. Had trouble keeping track of who was who and what each of them were trying to achieve.

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As with "The Overachievers," this book should be required reading for all teachers. I wish I could ask for an all-staff book club situation, but unfortunately, I don't quite trust that every one would read it...and to understand how that statement is relevant, pick up the book and read the section about how schools and teachers often contribute to the clique culture...it will make sense.

At times this was hard to read, as it forced me to examine my own behaviors both as "the adult in the room" and as a colleague. I hope I haven't blatantly contributed to the clique hierarchy in my school, though after reading this book, I'm sure I have. Now that I am more aware of how teachers reinforce conformity, I'm determined to be better for those students who might be, as Robbins puts it, "on the cafeteria fringe."

Yes, non-fiction takes longer to read, but Robbins' writing style is so accessible that I didn't want to put it down. I wanted to know how the kids she focused on changed, and I wanted clues for how I could help similar students in my school.

As I read, I thought about some of my students from this last year, and how they might enjoy reading this book as well. ( )