[Bonnie]

Brand new fan here. An editor friend of mine was writing a back cover copy for a chapter book and wanted some examples of what that looked like for the age group. She stumbled upon Restart and the premise got stuck in her head enough that she posted on Facebook asking if anyone had read it, and if the kid got his memory back. I hadn't ever heard of Gordon Korman or the book, but the premise sounded interesting to me, too. My Hoopla app had the audiobook, so I gave it a listen. Super well written characters who learn and grow with great life lessons and minimal cringe, good wholesome fun. Next I found the Mastermind series and just finished the trilogy — definitely enjoyed that as well. 

So thank you Mr. Korman for caring enough about your characters to let them grow and to normalize growth! I am a writer and I appreciate what you do. 

And to everyone else, knowing that's what I liked best about these works — what should I listen to next? 

[Jade]

Hi! I haven't read too many of Gord's books (which I plan to do), but since you liked Restart, and the Masterminds, based on how they had character development and "minimal cringe" (I like how you put that) and wholesome fun, I'd recommend you these books by Gordon Korman. However, these are only some of 100.

• Whatshisface: It has a stereotypical background, "a new kid in a new place", but then it gets fun. It's not cringeworthy and the characters learn a lot about friendship. It's my favorite book by Gord.


• No More Dead Dogs: I had to read this book for summer '20. It's great about character development, and very 'wholesome fun'. I laughed a lot at that book. Not very cringe, even some of the antagonistic characters are witty/funny. 


• Ungifted: Awesome book, truly. Hilarious! Very much of that "wholesome fun", but maybe not too wholesome considering all of the trouble... but still, very fun. There's definitely character development! Read it now!


• Supergifted: The sequel to Ungifted. In my opinion, this one is better than the sequel! New characters, all have good and dark to them! It's very exciting and I recommend you read both.


• Unplugged: Literally fits all of your criteria. The main character is a bit of a brat in the beginning, though. He's just so funny!

These are not many recommendations, but I hope you enjoy them if you do plan on listening to them. It's awesome how you write, as well. Perhaps you'll be as famous as Gord one day!

Be blessed,

Jade

(P.S.) You might want to tell your friend that no, Chase did not get all of his memory back.

[Logan]

Hey!
It is awesome that you enjoyed Restart and Masterminds. I am also a more recent fan but I have read a good share of his books. I have only read the first Masterminds, but I really enjoyed it. Here are some more book suggestions.

Operation Do-Over: The character development in this book is amazing! It has some good connections between the teachers and really outshines Gordons humor.
Linked: This book tackles more serious problems, but it really makes your brain think. This book is definitely in my top 3.
Schooled: One of his older and shorter books, but it is hilarious and the main character, Cap, is a top 10 character.
The Unteachables: This is an amazing book! The character development is awesome, and you have to love almost every single character.

Only a few suggestions, but I hope you like these!
Have a good day or night,
Logan

[Ruchama]

Defintely read

Don't Care High: interesting but hilarious

Losing Joe's Place: Filled to the brim with Gord's humor, very teenager boyish

Notorious: a mystery with twist and turns like Masterminds

Ruchama

[Jade]

When I wrote the Supergifted rec I meant to put that it is better than the prequel, not the sequel.