Storky: How I Lost My Nickname and Won the Girl

By Debra Garfinkle and D.L. Garfinkle

Book Overview

Michael Pomerantz doesn't have great expectations for high school-people are still calling him "Storky," his mom is dating his dentist, and his father can barely sit through their Sunday night dinners. The only bright spot so far is his weekly Scrabble game with an old-timer at the Senior center-not very encouraging. But over the course of the year, things start to pick up for Michael. A new friend introduces him to the joy (and misery) of social drinking, a sophomore with great legs seems unfathomably interested in him, and Dr. Berman the dentist turns out to be an okay guy. But then a startling announcement from Mom threatens to destroy all of Michael's progress. Like a boy Georgia Nicholson transplanted to San Diego, Storkyis a hilarious journal of teen trials and tribulations written with incredible depth and sensitivity. In no time, you'll be rooting for Storky to lose his nickname and win the girl.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399242848
• ISBN13: 9780399242847
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.6" x 1.0" x 5.7"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 6 and higher

Customer Reviews

Very Good!

I loved this book because I can really relate to all the things Storky's going through, like puberty and girls. But its really sad because his dad is always stiffing him and stuff but other than that, bravo!

A humorous survival story of high school freshman year

Girls may go "Ew," but they will still be fascinated by a peek into freshman Mike "Storky" Pomerantz's brain. Boys will see their reflection in the main character's obsession with girls and his awkward attempts to keep his body in check. Everyone will enjoy the humor. What sets this story apart, and keeps it from being chick lit in drag, is a nicely done subplot concerning Mike's dentist, who begins dating his 40-year-old mother in the first chapter. The progression of this romance, juxtaposed with Mike's growing realization that his own father is selfish and will never put his children's needs first, makes for a winning debut.

My FAVORITE this year!

Honestly, I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did. But it was absolutely incredible. Everyone mentions the humor--and it is on target and laugh out loud funny--but it has just as many thoughtful, heart-rending moments as we experience Storky's adjustment to his parent's divorce. I'd be laughing one moment and crying for Storky in the next. And it was all done with so much wit. Garfinkle is an author to watch.

Honest Hilarity Ensues in This Romp Through Freshman Year

There is probably no more pivotal time in the life of an adolescent than their freshman year of high school. Reputations are made, reputations are trashed, cliques are formed, the hot couples change as often as clothing fads, and every dramatic breath taken in results in an equally histrionic exhale out. Welcome to the life of Michael Pomerantz, aka Storky, an unfortunate moniker owing to his height/weight ratio. Confounded by the heated onset of puberty, 9th grade, unrequited love and familial dysfunction, Storky begins an online journal, taking us through his first, and very awkward, year of high school. This insight into the mind of a 14 year old provides a forbidden sense of voyeurism, while at the same time offering up laughs galore. At turns tender and tragic, Debra Garfinkle also manages to weave a solid line of humor throughout. Whether delicately handling the emergence of "Rex" - Storky's phallic alter ego, his unrequited lust for Miss Popular, or his damaged relationship with his divorced and dating father, Debra captures the insecurity, confusion and wellspring of hope hidden inside every 14 year old boy (and girl). What I found fascinating is that the book, written for Storky's age group, is not only a teen page turner - my own 13 year year old read it cover to cover in under 24 hours - But I found my 39 year old self as easily swept up in the book as I was taken back to my own high school struggles to fit in yet stand out. Major kudos to Debra for managing to get inside the mind of a puberty challenged young man and believably write his story. My daughter, three of her friends, two of their parents, myself and my husband (the book is still making the rounds) highly recommend this book. Buy it for your teen, but read it for your own enjoyment. The new Harry Potter may take your child on a temporary, magical ride to an out of this world place, but Storky and the hilarity of a reality your child is actually living through, will linger long after Harry and his wand have been put back on the bookshelf. There is a little Storky in all of us and your teen will come away knowing that he/she is not alone in all their jumbled, crazy, heated, confusing feelings, and you will be treated to a walk down memory lane that will leave you laughing and wondering how you ever survived high school!

Humorous diary book from the point of view of a HS freshman

STORKY is another funny diary book to enjoy but from a guy's point of view. Specifically, from Michael "Storky" Pomerantz's scribblings about his life as a freshman in high school. Michael, as he prefers to be called, is hoping that things will get better in school this year. Gina, his longtime friend and Scrabble player, suddenly seems more interested in dating guys who treat her badly when she could have Michael instead! Doesn't she notice how he always comes to help her when she calls? Or how he takes her to the Snowball at the last minute when she has no date? Or how he gives her plot summaries for their English assignments? Gina is not the only one who doesn't appreciate Michael. His own father continues to make excuses not to see him on his court-appointed weekend outings. Michael's sister refuses to see their Dad, but Michael keeps trying to make it work, no matter how badly Dad treats him. In the meantime, Michael is beginning to find some allies in the fun and pretty Sydney from Spanish class as well as new friend Nate. His mother is dating someone seriously who treats them well, even if he is kind of dorky. Friends and family help Michael get the confidence he needs to stand up to those who do not appreciate him. Funny and realistic, Michael/Storky's story is a great read.    --- Reviewed by Amy Alessio