76 pages • 2 hours read
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256
Novel • Fiction
•
Children`s Literature•
Education2010s
•
Coming of Age•
Trust & Doubt•
Education2017
Scholastic
Middle grade
8-12 years
730L
In Gordon Korman's Restart, middle schooler Chase Ambrose wakes up with amnesia after falling off a roof, unable to remember his past as a bully. As he navigates school and community service, he gradually discovers the person he used to be and strives to change for the better, forming new friendships and dealing with past conflicts. The book includes themes of bullying and amnesia.
Hopeful
Inspirational
Emotional
Heartwarming
53,382 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Korman's Restart offers an engaging story about a boy with amnesia who must reassess his life and past actions. Positively, reviewers appreciate its compelling characters and thought-provoking themes of redemption and second chances. Some critiques mention predictable plot points and underdeveloped secondary characters. Overall, it's a solid middle-grade read with a meaningful message.
Readers who relish middle-grade fiction will enjoy Restart by Gordon Korman. Ideal for fans of books like Wonder and Holes, this novel caters to those who appreciate themes of redemption, personal growth, and the complexities of social dynamics. Young readers who enjoy stories about overcoming challenges and self-discovery will find it compelling.
53,382 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
SHOSHANNA WEBER
Shoshanna is the opinionated and temperamental twin sister of Joel Weber. Initially harboring resentment towards Chase due to his former bullying, her perspective evolves as they work on a video project together.
BRENDAN ESPINOZA
Brendan is the lively president of the video club, known for his comedic antics and attempts to create viral videos. Despite being a past victim of Chase’s bullying, he is the first to befriend Chase and remains loyal.
AARON HAKIMIAN
Aaron is an eighth-grade football player and friend of Chase, noted for his bullying behavior. Skeptical of Chase’s amnesia, he desires the return of Chase’s old persona.
BEAR BRATSKY
Bear is a large and impulsive football player who follows Aaron’s lead. Struggling to adapt to Chase’s changes, he often resorts to aggression.
JULIUS SOLWAY
Mr. Solway is a Korean War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient. He becomes a friend and mentor figure to Chase, offering perspectives on memory and identity.
FRANK AMBROSE
Frank is Chase’s father, characterized as an enthusiastic sports dad longing for Chase to reclaim his former athletic glory. However, he eventually recognizes and appreciates the positive changes in Chase.
JOEL WEBER
Joel, Shoshanna’s twin brother, is a musical prodigy who initially attends Melton Conservatory. He returns home wary of being bullied again but undergoes significant personal growth.
KIMBERLY TOOLEY
Kimberly joins the video club due to her crush on Chase. Initially portrayed as naive, she inadvertently captures significant footage that impacts the group's dynamics.
Restart by Gordon Korman was published in 2017, making it one of the notable recent additions to his extensive list of over 80 books aimed primarily at middle-grade and young adult readers.
Prior to writing Restart, Gordon Korman had already accumulated nearly four decades of experience as a bestselling author, having published his first book, This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall, at the age of 14.
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The book explores themes of identity and personal transformation, which have been recurring elements in Korman's body of work, often delving into the dynamics of friendship and self-discovery.
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256
Novel • Fiction
•
Children`s Literature•
Education2010s
•
Coming of Age•
Trust & Doubt•
Education2017
Scholastic
Middle grade
8-12 years
730L
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