Elissa Brent Weissman is an accomplished author known for her captivating tales for young readers. With a focus on themes of friendship, identity, and personal growth, she has written numerous celebrated books that have resonated with audiences of all ages.
Elissa Brent Weissman Books in Order
- Nerd Camp (Nerd Camp, #1)
- The Length of a String
- Nerd Camp 2.0 (Nerd Camp, #2)
- Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids
- The Short Seller
- Standing for Socks
- The Renegade Reporters
- The Trouble with Mark Hopper
- Hanukkah Upside Down
- Nikhil and the Geek Retreat (Nerd Camp Briefs, #1)
Synopsis of Elissa Brent Weissman Books in Order
Nerd Camp (Nerd Camp, #1)
“Nerd Camp” by Elissa Brent Weissman follows the story of Gabe, a young boy who is excited to spend the summer at a camp with other kids who are just as nerdy as he is. Gabe is looking forward to a summer filled with learning and activities that engage his passion for academics. However, things take a turn when Gabe’s parents inform him that he will not only be attending the nerd camp but also his dad’s young son from a previous marriage, Zack. Gabe is hesitant about spending his summer with his stepbrother, who is the complete opposite of him.
As the summer progresses, Gabe and Zack navigate their differences and discover that even though they may have different interests, they have more in common than they initially thought. The book explores themes of friendship, family dynamics, and the importance of being open-minded and accepting of others. The story encourages readers to embrace their individuality and to be open to new experiences and relationships.
With a humorous and heartwarming narrative, “Nerd Camp” offers an engaging and relatable portrayal of the challenges and triumphs of growing up, and emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and acceptance. The book is a fun and insightful read for middle-grade readers, as it encourages them to appreciate the unique qualities that make them who they are.
The Length of a String
“The Length of a String” by Elissa Brent Weissman is a heartwarming middle-grade novel that follows the story of Imani, a 12-year-old girl who is adopted by a Jewish family. The book is set in both present-day Baltimore and 18th-century West Africa. Imani’s journey to understanding her own identity takes her on a quest to uncover her heritage and connect with her biological family.
The novel explores themes of family, history, and identity as Imani learns about her ancestors who were part of the Gullah community in South Carolina. Through a series of letters, Imani discovers her family’s history and the struggles they faced. As she uncovers her roots, Imani also navigates the challenges of fitting in at her predominantly white school and finding her place within her adoptive family.
With its blend of contemporary and historical settings, “The Length of a String” offers a poignant exploration of personal identity and the importance of understanding one’s cultural heritage. The book highlights the universal search for belonging and the power of family history in shaping one’s sense of self. Elissa Brent Weissman’s novel ultimately delivers a message of resilience and the beauty of embracing one’s roots.
Nerd Camp 2.0 (Nerd Camp, #2)
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Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids
“Our Story Begins” by Elissa Brent Weissman is a collection of writings and drawings from well-known authors and illustrators from their childhood. The book provides a fascinating look at the early creative works of these talented individuals, offering insights into their formative years and the seeds of their future careers. The contributors share fun, inspiring, and occasionally ridiculous pieces they wrote and drew as kids, allowing readers to see the evolution of their talents and imaginations over time.
The book is a delightful mix of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and illustrations, showcasing the diverse range of creative expression that can emerge in childhood. Readers will enjoy the whimsical and often humorous nature of the pieces, as well as the relatable experiences of childhood and adolescence that shine through in the writings and drawings. Through this collection, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the creative process and the ways in which childhood experiences can shape the work of future authors and illustrators.
“Our Story Begins” offers a unique and engaging glimpse into the early creative endeavors of famous authors and illustrators, inspiring readers to embrace their own creativity and appreciate the journey from childhood creativity to professional success. The book celebrates the power of imagination and the enduring influence of childhood experiences on artistic expression, making it a valuable and enjoyable read for readers of all ages.
The Short Seller
“The Short Seller” by Elissa Brent Weissman is a middle-grade novel that follows the story of a young girl named Lindy Sachs. Lindy is a seventh-grader who is passionate about finance and dreams of becoming a stock market trader. When her school’s business club introduces a stock market competition, Lindy teams up with her best friend to form the “Short Sellouts” and enter the competition. However, Lindy soon discovers that making money in the stock market is not as easy as she thought, and she must navigate the challenges of friendship and ethics along the way.
As Lindy dives into the world of finance, she faces numerous obstacles and learns valuable lessons about integrity, honesty, and the true meaning of success. The novel explores themes of friendship, competition, and the complexities of financial markets while offering insight into the intricacies of the stock market and the moral dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of wealth. With a relatable protagonist and a compelling storyline, “The Short Seller” is an engaging and educational read for young readers interested in finance and entrepreneurship.
Overall, “The Short Seller” is a compelling coming-of-age story that provides a unique perspective on the world of finance while delivering important messages about integrity and the true definition of success. Lindy’s journey is both relatable and educational, making the book an ideal choice for young readers interested in exploring the complexities of the stock market and the ethical dilemmas it presents. Elissa Brent Weissman’s engaging storytelling and well-developed characters make “The Short Seller” an enjoyable and thought-provoking read for readers of all ages.
Standing for Socks
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The Renegade Reporters
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The Trouble with Mark Hopper
“The Trouble with Mark Hopper” by Elissa Brent Weissman follows the story of 11-year-old Mark Hopper who struggles with fitting in at school and dealing with his parents’ separation. Mark is constantly overlooked and underestimated by his peers, leading him to feel invisible and unimportant. However, Mark finds solace in his passion for writing and dreams of becoming a successful author one day. When he enters a writing contest, Mark is determined to prove himself and gain the recognition he craves.
As Mark navigates the challenges of middle school and family changes, he discovers the power of resilience and self-expression. With the support of his friends and family, Mark learns to embrace his unique identity and pursue his dreams with determination and courage. Through his journey, Mark finds the strength to rise above his troubles and find his voice in a world that often tries to silence him.
“The Trouble with Mark Hopper” is a heartwarming and relatable coming-of-age story that touches on themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of storytelling. Elissa Brent Weissman’s engaging and empathetic storytelling captures the emotional turmoil of adolescence and the universal struggle to find one’s place in the world. The book resonates with readers of all ages, reminding them that everyone has the potential to shine, even in the face of adversity.
Hanukkah Upside Down
“Hanukkah Upside Down” by Elissa Brent Weissman is a heartwarming and relatable story about a girl named Judah Maccabee, who is named after a hero from the Hanukkah story. Judah faces a series of challenges in the days leading up to Hanukkah, including a holiday disaster, a school bully, and a friendship dilemma. With the help of her family and friends, Judah learns valuable lessons about courage, forgiveness, and the true meaning of Hanukkah.
The book explores the themes of friendship, family, and the importance of tradition, while also highlighting the universal experiences of feeling different, standing up to bullies, and finding the strength to be true to oneself. Judah’s journey is both funny and heartwarming, making it an engaging and enjoyable read for middle-grade readers. Through her relatable and endearing protagonist, Weissman delivers an uplifting and memorable story that celebrates the spirit of Hanukkah and the power of resilience.
Overall, “Hanukkah Upside Down” is a delightful and meaningful novel that offers a fresh perspective on the holiday season. Elissa Brent Weissman’s storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking, and her characters are well-developed and relatable. The book is an excellent choice for young readers looking for a captivating and heartwarming Hanukkah story.
Nikhil and the Geek Retreat (Nerd Camp Briefs, #1)
Nikhil and the Geek Retreat is the first book in the Nerd Camp Briefs series by Elissa Brent Weissman. The story follows Nikhil, a smart and sarcastic seventh-grader, as he navigates the challenges of attending a camp for the academically gifted. Nikhil is faced with the task of fitting in and making friends at the camp, while also dealing with the pressure to excel in his studies. The book explores themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and the complexities of navigating social dynamics at a camp designed for “nerds.”
The plot of Nikhil and the Geek Retreat revolves around Nikhil’s experiences at the camp, from his initial reservations about attending to the friendships he forms with fellow campers. Through humorous and relatable storytelling, the book addresses the common struggles faced by young people who feel different or out of place in social settings. The narrative is filled with quirky characters, witty dialogue, and heartwarming moments as Nikhil learns to embrace his individuality and find his place within the camp community.
Overall, Nikhil and the Geek Retreat is a delightful and entertaining middle-grade novel that celebrates the value of being true to oneself and the power of friendship. The book offers a fun and insightful exploration of the ups and downs of adolescence, making it an engaging read for young readers navigating their own experiences of fitting in and finding their place in the world.
Who is Elissa Brent Weissman
Elissa Brent Weissman is a highly acclaimed author of young reader novels, with her most famous being the Nerd Camp series. Her works have garnered attention from prestigious publications such as Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times, as well as from media outlets like NPR’s “Here and Now.” Additionally, Elissa has been recognized as one of CBS Baltimore’s Best Authors in Maryland. With a background in teaching creative writing to children, college students, and adults in Baltimore City, she now resides in Christchurch, New Zealand with her husband and their two burgeoning nerds.
In conclusion, Elissa Brent Weissman’s books offer a heartwarming and humorous exploration of important themes such as friendship, identity, and resilience, making them essential reads for young readers. Through her relatable characters and engaging storytelling, Weissman imparts valuable lessons about empathy, self-acceptance, and the power of imagination, providing readers with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Overall, Weissman’s body of work serves as a testament to the transformative power of literature in shaping young minds and fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
FAQs about author Elissa Brent Weissman
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