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Ages 9+1-min guideSchoolFriendshipHumor

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by Gordon Korman
Good fitA great fit for most kids 9 and up. Funny and thoughtful, told by several kids in turn. Past bullying is described plainly, and a theft lands Chase in court.
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What it’s about

Eighth grader Chase falls off his roof and loses all memory of his life. Back at school, some kids cheer for him and others are scared of him. Bit by bit, he learns he was the school’s worst bully.

The ending

What might come up

Unkind behaviorA lotBefore his fall, Chase and his friends bullied kids badly. They wrecked a piano recital with cherry bombs and stole from seniors.
ViolenceA littleA foam attack with fire extinguishers and a few fights. A war hero recalls throwing a grenade into a tank.
Family stressA littleChase’s parents are divorced. His dad pushes him back into football after a bad concussion.
LanguageA littleInsults like 'idiot,' 'moron,' 'jerk,' and 'loser,' plus 'Oh my God.'
RomanceA littleKimberly has a crush on Chase, then starts dating Brendan.

Why kids like it

Short chapters from different kids, plenty of laughs, and a big question: can a bully change?

Free printable quiz

  1. 1
    How does Chase lose his memory?
  2. 2
    Which club does Chase join?
  3. 3
    In which war did Mr. Solway win his medal?
  4. 4
    What is the name of Shoshanna’s twin brother?
If they liked this

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Parents also ask

Quick answers

Most kids can read it on their own from about age 9. As a read-aloud, it works from about age 8.