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76 pages 2 hours read

Restart

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Gordon Korman

Restart

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

730L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.4

53,382 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Restart?

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.

4.4

53,382 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

CHASE AMBROSE

Chase is the 13-year-old protagonist of *Restart*. After an accident, he suffers from amnesia and must navigate life without memories of his past. Known previously as a bully, he grapples with the challenge of forging a kinder identity.

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 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 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 is a large and impulsive football player who follows Aaron’s lead. Struggling to adapt to Chase’s changes, he often resorts to aggression.

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 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, 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 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.

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

730L

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