Whatshisface by Gordon Korman receives mixed reviews. Readers appreciate the humorous and engaging narrative, as well as the relatable middle school drama. However, some critics feel that the plot can be predictable and that character development is sometimes lacking. Overall, it's seen as a fun and light-hearted read suitable for its target audience.

Readers who enjoy Whatshisface by Gordon Korman are typically middle-grade students aged 8-12 who like humorous, contemporary stories with a touch of historical adventure. It's perfect for fans of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and Lemony Snicket's The Bad Beginning, offering a blend of wit, relatable characters, and captivating plots.

In Gordon Korman's Whatshisface, 12-year-old Cooper Vega, frequently bullied and often addressed as "Whatshisface," moves to a new school and discovers his glitchy phone is haunted by Roddy, a 13-year-old ghost from 1596. Together, they uncover secrets about Shakespeare and his play Romeo and Juliet, while Roddy helps Cooper stand up to bullies and navigate middle school. This book depicts bullying and insensitive remarks about mental health.

Humorous / Mysterious / Fantastical / Adventurous / Playful

**Cooper Vega**  
A 12-year-old boy and the protagonist, known for being the "new kid" due to his father's army job, who gradually learns to assert himself and find belonging through his friendship with Roddy.

**Roddy (Roderick Barnabas Northrop)**  
A historical character who connects with Cooper, advising and guiding him, while seeking recognition for his playwrighting talents from beyond the grave.

**Jolie Solomon**  
A confident and independent peer to Cooper, known for her interest in extreme sports and strong sense of self, who serves as a romantic interest in the story.

**Brock Bumgartner**  
A flat, static bully who antagonizes Cooper with taunts and physical attacks, often acting immaturely and seeking attention.

**Somerset Wolfson III**  
A wealthy and somewhat mysterious character known for his deep interest in Shakespeare, exerting influence in the town and affecting key narrative developments.

**Veronica Vega**  
Cooper's 16-year-old sister who adapts quickly to new environments, providing a contrast to Cooper's struggles and remaining perceptive about his unusual behavior.

**William Shakespeare**  
A legendary playwright, symbolized in the story through Roddy's perspective as both a historical figure and a literary giant whose reputation is humorously questioned.

Study Guide

Book Brief

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Book Brief Whatshisface

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Overview

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Whatshisface Summary and Study Guide

Background

Whatshisface Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Whatshisface Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12

Whatshisface Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-18

Whatshisface Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-24

Whatshisface Chapters 19-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 25-Epilogue

Whatshisface Chapter 25-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Whatshisface Character Analysis

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Themes

Whatshisface Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Whatshisface Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Whatshisface Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Whatshisface Essay Topics

Gordon Korman

Middle grade

Novel

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Whatshisface

Book Brief

Whatshisface

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Reviews & Readership

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