READER’S FORUM

September 19, 2025 at 02:41 am Reply

Anna Sternberg

Dear Gordan Korman,

I just wanted to say that if people ask me if I could be stranded on an island with one thing, I would choose a Gordan Korman book. Your books keep me entertained all day long. Thank you for making a simple middle schooler, like me, love to read. I love how determined you are to intrigue your readers, just like Link is determined to have his Bar Mitzvah. My favorite book I have ever read is 100% Linked. I really appreciate how I could connect being a Jewish middle school kid. I have been wondering: What inspired you to make so many books about changing? Did you ever think one of your books would fail, and it ended up being very successful? Did you ever want to quit a book halfway? If so, why? Are any of the characters in your books based on someone in your life? Your books have taught me many lessons I can apply to my current life. I would love if my name could be a character in the latest book you\'re working on. Keep doing what you\'re doing, and know that you are inspiring many children and even adults across the world with your books!

-Anna Sternberg-
September 19, 2025 at 02:58 am Reply

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Thanks, Anna,

I'm pleased to hear that my books have been making such a big hit with you.

I'm not sure what you mean about "changing." The very nature of a story is a description of something changing, e.g. Rudy conquering camp in his particular way; Bruno & Boots turning Macdonald Hall into a place that works for them; Linc working through to his Bar Mitzvah in spite of the odds, strictly to honor his grandmother, and many more.

Did I ever think one of my books would fail? Not really. As it turns out, some are more successful than others. My stuff does well, but RESTART, for example, has been on the New York Times Bestseller List for over 4 years. Did I ever want to quit a book halfway? Every single one of them! But I push on because writing is my chosen profession. My characters are fictional, but I'm sure people I know must appear here and there. But I don't use real people intentionally. It's just a policy I have.

OK? Thanks again, Anna, for your support for my work. I appreciate it very much.

Regards, -----Gordon Korman-----
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Thanks, Anna,

I'm pleased to hear that my books have been making such a big hit with you.

I'm not sure what you mean about "changing." The very nature of a story is a description of something changing, e.g. Rudy conquering camp in his particular way; Bruno & Boots turning Macdonald Hall into a place that works for them; Linc working through to his Bar Mitzvah in spite of the odds, strictly to honor his grandmother, and many more.

Did I ever think one of my books would fail? Not really. As it turns out, some are more successful than others. My stuff does well, but RESTART, for example, has been on the New York Times Bestseller List for over 4 years. Did I ever want to quit a book halfway? Every single one of them! But I push on because writing is my chosen profession. My characters are fictional, but I'm sure people I know must appear here and there. But I don't use real people intentionally. It's just a policy I have.

OK? Thanks again, Anna, for your support for my work. I appreciate it very much.

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