[Jay Ward]

I just wanted to use this space to express my gratitude to Mr. Korman for writing books that made reading late into the night as a young man so much fun and such a “core memory” for me as an adult. My absolute favorite was “I Want To Go Home”. Rudy Miller was a character that was so relatable for me and one that held a deep impact on my own personality development. Although the book was published the year I was born it never felt like a dated story when I read it multiple times between the ages of 8-13. What I would give to read a novella or something of the sort that answered the question “Whatever happened to Rudy Miller and Mike Webster?” I have to imagine they both went on to live very colorful lives! Thanks for helping to inspire a lifelong love of reading. 😊❤️

[Gordon Korman]

Hi, Jay,

Thanks for posting. Your comments made my day! 

As for what became of Rudy and Mike. I'm sure Mike is an accountant, or a lawyer, leading a life of quiet satisfaction and personal happiness. Rudy, on the other hand, always struck me as a professional flagpole sitter. He would also be happy and comfortable with his life. It would just be a little unconventional, that's all. He is, after all, Rudy.

                                              Best regards, and my thanks for the support for my very early book,

                                                                         -----Gordon Korman-----

[Jon]

Jay,

My story echoes your own. The adventures of Rudy and Mike are by far my favorite stories presented to us by Gordon. I have read my copy of the book many times, and have had to replace the book at least once now because of high use. I have God-Children now whom I have bestowed copies of the book, I feel it is that timeless a novel.

Despite the technology updates made in the revised edition (I get it... kids these days don't know what a tape deck is!) the story has remained as true today as it did when I read it for the first time oh so many years ago.

[Asher]

Thank you, Mr. Korman, for finally sharing us new canonical material on I Want To Go Home! It\'s not a book, but I\'ll take it. Is there anything else you can tell us about these characters?

[Gordon Korman]

Hi, Asher,

Not much to share except to say that, when I went to camp, I wish I had been Rudy.                         -----GK-----

[Ms Huinink's Grade 5/6 Class of LHCS]

Dear Mr. Korman,

We have to say, all 24 of (two teachers included), that "I Want To Go Home," was an AWESOME STORY! Here are some personal responses from our classmates:

ANDREW and the teacher: PLEASE PLEASE MEGAPLEASE CAN YOU send a script for the movie, to Hollywood? We want a movie! Some of us are available to audition. 

DANIEL: "MILLERRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Work Detail!"

PETRA: We think that when Rudy grew up, he became the Algonkian Camp Director! He would be perfect. The pillowfight was great, especially how Rudy blamed it on Harold and how Rudy and Mike just sat there and made it not their fault. 

ERICA: I liked the speech that Arthur Warden would always give. (teacher: we liked how oblivious he was.)

CASSANDRA: I liked the part when Chip yelled, "Miller! Get back here! You can't swim!"

ETHAN: I love how the beaver was all the way in the woods when Rudy's baseball hit his dam.  Also, where did Rudy get that megaphone?!

DIETRICH: I liked how Mr. Warden's bow-legs were included. And Rudy's comments on them: "There is nothing straight about Mr. Warden."

LEAH: I liked the salete! 

CLAIRE AND CLAIRE: We liked how Jim kicked Leo, thinking he was a bear, and when they left Dave and then he was sprayed by a skunk.

MS HUININK: Rudy stealing Chip's girlfriend......... classsssic.

CONNOR: Rudy's pranks on Harold Greene were hilarious. 

 

 

 

[Gordon Korman]

Hi, LHCS, 5/6 + Teachers!

Thanks for posting and for your hilarious response to I WANT TO GO HOME.

I don't think we'll ever see a movie, though. I wrote that book back in 1981, and if no film company has latched onto it so far, I guess it's not going to happen. Sorry. I agree -- I think it would make an amazing movie!

Again, I thank you. And Rudy thanks you.                                     -----Gordon Korman-----

[Asher]

I don't think we'll ever see a sequel either.... sigh.

[Gordon Korman]

But there's always a new book, Asher! Go join Jade's new Book Club for the newest book, MIXED UP.

You'll  find it at:                MIXED UP: "Book Club" right now!

                                                                                                                  -----Gordon Korman-----

[Madelyn]

I Want To Go Home is by far my most memorable read as a child. I have had a few copies because every time I see one, I have to buy it. I’m currently reading it aloud to my 7 year old and he is roaring with laughter and it couldn’t make me happier. Thank you for this book. 

Did you go to camp growing up? Is Algonkian Island based on a real camp? I’ve worked at one in Algonquin which is also on an island and the picture I had in my mind as a young reader is exactly what the camp I worked at looked like in real life. Re-reading it as an adult now has me so curious! 

[Gordon Korman]

Hi, Madelyn,

Thanks for posting and for turning another generation onto Rudy Miller! I'm not sure what his appeal is, but I suspect it's his talent for mouthing off at his elders. Or perhaps it's his own self-respect and dignity. I was all of 15 when I wrote I WANT TO GO HOME and, yes, I went to camp and VERY much wanted to go home. But I made up Algonkian Island. It sounded like a very camp-ish name to me.

That book was written 40+ years ago, and the book I'm working on now is going to be #106. My, how time flies when you want to go home!

                                     Thanks again Madelyn.                                              -----Gordon Korman-----

[Madelyn]

Thanks so much for the reply!
I can’t wait to get my little guy into the rest of your books! Bruno and Boots might be next :)