What if you got the chance to start your life all over again? Would you make any changes?
Restart by Gordon Korman is a powerful story about getting a second chance. The story opens with Chase Ambrose in hospital. He’s fallen off his roof and forgotten everything about who he used to be. And when he returns to school, he doesn’t know what to make of the way everyone reacts to him. Slowly, he discovers he was the worst kind of bully. Even as he remembers who he used to be, he needs to decide who he wants to be.
I’ve read just one other book by Gordon Korman, Schooled. Just like in Schooled, it’s the characters who drive the story, although the plot is gripping too. Chase Ambrose, erstwhile bully, has us feeling for him, wanting to forgive everything he’s done, no matter how bad it may have been. More, each character is vividly drawn–from the other bullies to the girl who’s determined to hate him because he ruined her brother’s life.
Restart is told from multiple points of view, and each narrative voice is believable. As we discover secrets from Chase’s life before his fall, we are drawn into this pacy, optimistic story. This book came to me strongly recommended by a creative writing student of mine, and I’m so glad I made the time to read it!
| Title | Restart |
| Author | Gordon Korman |
| Tags | Middle Grade, School Story, Realistic Fiction |
| Rating (out of 5) | 5 |
| Age-group | 10+ |
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