[David Shadovitz]

My son (16) pointed out that Old School and Schooled have essentially the same plot.  I'm fine with that; each book is terrific.  What are the author's thoughts on reusing the plot?

Hi,David,

SCHOOLED and OLD SCHOOL don't have the same plot; they have the same premise. I can't really reveal the difference without revealing the plot twists, but they are there. The only similarity is that the protagonists are boys who have been home-schooled who are now forced to go to regular school.

Cap was a hippie; Dex is 12, going on 80. Their stories are different, I promise.                  

                                           Regards,                                                         -----Gordon Korman-----

[David Shadovitz]

Thanks for the correction.  Premise, not plot.  

As I said, each book is terrific.

Mr. Korman, you have an open invitation to join us for dinner at our Los Angeles home.

Thanks, David. For the invitation too! The way thing have been going in L.A. lately, I'm happy for you that there is a home to invite me to! I don't get out there that often, but thanks for the thought. Now I hope the book is a hit with you and yours.

                                                Regards,                                                                   --GK--

[Jade]

Now that I think about it, they kind of do have the same premise! But the SCHOOLED that I read at age 11 is so, so different from the OLD SCHOOL I read at age 17. It’s… wow! The story with Cap who lived on a farm with his grandma who wouldn’t sell anything? Who, like Gord said, was a massive hippie living in the 70s? And OLD SCHOOL, with Dex living at a senior citizen’s home, being everybody’s local grandson, handyman, extraordinaire? They’re so different. They were so, so good too. I’d never expected to like a story about, forgive me, “old people”, but it was most excellent! Most excellent! I won’t spoil it but you’ll be hard pressed to feel tired while reading it.