Restart by Gordon Korman Summary

Restart by Gordon Korman follows Chase Ambrose, a 13-year-old middle school bully who wakes up with complete amnesia after falling off his house's roof. With no memory of his past actions or identity, Chase must navigate returning to school where many students fear and despise him. The novel explores whether people can fundamentally change, as Chase discovers he was the school's most notorious troublemaker and now has an unprecedented opportunity to rebuild himself from scratch.

Gordon Korman is a prolific Canadian-American author born on October 23, 1963, in Montreal, Quebec. He wrote his first novel at age 12 as a seventh-grade English assignment, which became This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall, published when he was just 14 years old. Korman has written over 105 books that have sold more than 35 million copies worldwide and have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Restart by Gordon Korman is worth reading for its compelling exploration of redemption and identity through a unique premise. The novel uses multiple perspectives to provide a layered understanding of bullying's impact on both victims and perpetrators, creating emotional depth beyond typical middle school fiction. While some readers note the pacing focuses heavily on school dynamics, the story offers a hopeful perspective on personal transformation, accountability, and forgiveness that resonates with young readers.

Restart by Gordon Korman is ideal for middle grade and young adult readers aged 10-14 who enjoy realistic fiction about social dynamics and personal growth. The book particularly appeals to readers interested in stories about bullying, redemption, and second chances, as well as those who appreciate multiple narrative perspectives. Educators and parents seeking age-appropriate books that spark discussions about accountability, forgiveness, and whether people can change will find Restart valuable.

The main message of Restart by Gordon Korman is that people can fundamentally change through their present choices, not just circumstances. While Chase's amnesia provides the catalyst, the novel emphasizes that genuine transformation requires conscious decisions, honesty, and accountability—not just memory loss. The story ultimately argues that redemption is possible when supported by a community willing to believe in change, though it acknowledges that past actions have lasting consequences.

Restart by Gordon Korman ends with Chase on trial for stealing Mr. Solway's Medal of Honor. Despite overwhelming evidence, Chase refuses to lie about guaranteeing permanent change, demonstrating his newfound integrity. Mr. Solway arrives and falsely claims he loaned Chase the medal, while the video club, teachers, and even Joel's family testify to Chase's transformation. The judge dismisses the charge, giving Chase a second chance and affirming that genuine change, honesty, and community support can lead to forgiveness.

The most important quote in Restart by Gordon Korman is Dr. Fitzwallace's statement: "You have the chance to rebuild yourself from the ground up, to make a completely fresh start," which frames Chase's amnesia as an opportunity for reinvention rather than just loss. Shoshanna's cynical belief that "Amnesia can wipe out the details of your past, but it can't change the kind of person you are" represents the skepticism Chase must overcome. Chase's final reflection—"Falling on my head was the best thing that ever happened to me"—encapsulates his journey toward becoming someone better.

Gordon Korman uses alternating first-person perspectives in Restart, rotating between Chase, Shoshanna, Brendan, Aaron, Bear, Joel, and Kimberly. This technique provides diverse viewpoints on the same events, allowing readers to see the complexity of Chase's transformation from multiple angles. The multiple perspectives reveal how differently characters perceive Chase's change—from deep skepticism to cautious hope—creating a rich, layered understanding of bullying's impact on both perpetrators and victims.

Chase Ambrose's character arc in Restart by Gordon Korman transforms him from a notorious bully and athlete to someone genuinely kind and accountable. Without memory of his past actions, Chase naturally gravitates toward the video club and helping Mr. Solway rather than returning to his former friends Aaron and Bear. His arc culminates when he refuses to lie in court about guaranteeing permanent change, demonstrating that his transformation stems from conscious choices in the present, not just his amnesia.

The main criticism of Restart by Gordon Korman is that much of the book focuses on slow-paced school scenes with Chase waiting for his memory to return, lacking significant action. Some readers find the ending predictable and wish for more unexpected twists, particularly those who prefer action-driven narratives. Additionally, the ethical controversy surrounding Mr. Solway's decision to lie under oath raises questions about whether the "right" outcome justifies dishonest means, though this serves the novel's redemption theme.

Restart by Gordon Korman addresses bullying by depicting its severe psychological toll on victims like Joel and the deep-seated resentment it creates within families and communities. The novel explores bullying from multiple perspectives—the perpetrator with amnesia, the victim's family, and bystanders—showing how difficult it is to change reputation and earn forgiveness. By making the former bully the protagonist, Gordon Korman challenges readers to consider whether people defined by cruel actions can genuinely transform and deserve second chances.

The ending of Restart by Gordon Korman is controversial because Mr. Solway lies under oath, claiming he loaned Chase the Medal of Honor to save him from juvenile detention. While this serves the novel's redemption theme and reflects Mr. Solway's belief in Chase's transformation, it raises ethical questions about whether dishonest means justify positive outcomes. Some debate whether Chase's earlier decision to protect Aaron and Bear after the band room incident represented a relapse into his old self or misguided loyalty that cost him his new friends' trust.