[Melissa Dubiel]

Hello!  Each year I read the book Schooled with my 8th graders.   This year as we were beginning the book students had 2 questions.  First they were wondering who Aunt Shirley was.   You dedicated the book to her so we were wondering why.  The second question is there are watermarked peacesigns on the first page of each chapter.   They are in different locations for each chapter.  Was there a reason why?   

Thank you!  

Hi,  Ms. Dubiel & Class,

Thanks for posting. I hope you're all enjoying SCHOOLED.

Your questions: Aunt Shirley is my aunt, my Mom's older sister. She's also my Godmother, and the Mom to my cousin who was my closest friend growing up. Second: the Peace Sign is a symbol of the Hippie generation of flower children, a group to which Cap Anderson belongs in spirit if not in reality. It was the publisher's idea to use Peace signs throughout the book to emphasize that Cap was, at heart, a hippie from the '60's.

OK? If there's anything else, you know where to find me. Right here!

                                               Best regards,                                                  -----Gordon Korman-----

[Laurel Picard Francius]

Hello Mr. Korman,

Our family loves your books!  We homeschool, and we read-aloud everyday.  Mom has a rule that we can only have one of your books on the go at a time, which is hard because you’re our favourite author!

We’re currently reading Schooled, and listening to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s The Long Winter. In the Long Winter there is a character named Cap Garland.  And in Schooled, Cap Anderson is from Garland.   It got us wondering, do you ever get inspiration for a character from another book?  Have you ever read The Long Winter?   And who are your favourite authors?

sincerely

The Francius Family

Hi, Francius Family,

Thanks for posting and for your loyalty to my books. I hope you'll watch for the newest, just 9 days old -- OLD SCHOOL. I'm pleased to report it made The New York Times Bestseller List.

Your question: I have never read THE LONG WINTER, so the news that Wilder wrote about someone named Cap Garland is a surprise to me. Just a coincidence. Was the "Cap" for "Capricorn?" One thing is certain -- my Cap is a new age hippie, and Laura Ingalls Wilder came before the hippie era, so hers can't be!

My favorite authors: Kurt Vonnegut. Favorite book by him THE SIRENS OF TITAN. I'm also a fan of Douglas Adams,who wrote THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY series. And anything by James Ponti, who is a friend of mine.

Happy reading, Francius Family!                                                       -----Gordon Korman-----

[Ms. Wilson's ELA class]

This is my second year reading Schooled with my 6th grade ELA classes.  They wanted me to write to you to tell you how much they enjoyed this novel.  It really kept them on the edge of their seats.  I teach honors and standard classes.  Both levels were totally engaged. We laughed, gasped, and were totally surprised at the ending.   Here are some things we thought about if Cap went back to C Average as a millionaire.  The kids actually ran to the library to find more of your books. hehehe

We need a little updating in that area, but we had several.  I spoke to my media specialist about getting some of your newer additions in our stacks. 

1. Would he change?

2. Would the kids treat him differently?

3. Would he have a different outlook about money?

4. Would Rain change?  

5. Would Cap use the money to help charities?

Oh, and we are having a Cap Anderson day next week.  We are all dressing up in our tie dyes and playing Cap trivia. :)

Hi, Ms Wilson's Class,

Thanks for your thoughts and questions. I'll try to answer everything.

1. I think Cap would change a little bit. He's not the innocent "new kid" any more. But he would still be the nicest kid in school.

2. The kids might treat him reverently at first -- they thought he was dead, after all! But they would get used to him, and even begin to overlook how different he can be.

3. I think he would understand more about money. He knew nothing about it when he was given the cash to plan the party.

4. Would Rain change? Are you kidding? This is an older woman who chose a peculiar lifestyle from a young age. Yes, she'd change, but I bet not by much. But she would have to live a normal life in an urban condo with a middle schooler.

5. Are you talking about the money from selling Garland? Cap wouldn't have it. That's the family money that would be invested to create an income that would be used to pay for the condo, and all their living expenses.

OK? And if you can manage a photo of everyone in their tie-dyes, I'd love to see it!

                           Thanks, people.                                                         -----Gordon Korman-----