[Veronika]

  Hi Mr. Korman,

  My name is Veronika (with a K) and I’m from Ukraine. There is an institution in my country, it’s called Junior Academy of Science of Ukraine and its goal is to help school youth to develop their creative and intellectual skills. A lot of high school students are involved in scientific and research activity every year and I’m one of them! My scientific area is Philology and Art Studies, specifically World Literature, the aim of my research is to suggest a book which should be studied in school and explain what is so special about this book. For my research I’ve chosen one of your novels.

  My country is currently at war and it affects all aspects of Ukrainian people’s life, including educational process, so now the issue of motivation is particularly acute for both teachers and students. Being in constant danger and fear is exhausting and many of those who involved in educational process have to deal with a feeling of burnout. That’s why among all your books I chose The Unteachables. It seems to me that Mr. Kermit is a relatable character for every Ukrainian teacher, in a way.

  I really enjoyed the novel. It was funny and understandable, just perfect for middle and high school students to study. I would like to ask a few question and include the answers in my research, if you don’t mind.

1.     What inspired you to write this book?

2.     Have you received feedback/messages from teachers or students who read The Unteachables? Which one was most memorable?

3.     What one life lesson every teacher and student should remember after reading this book?

4.     Your book is dedicated “to all the teachers who soldier on”. Did you have such teacher in your life during school years?

  Also, I have a conspiracy theory. I can’t believe that it was so easy for a 12-year-old student to get hold of the answers to a NATIONAL STANDARDIZED TEST. What if Dr. Thaddeus purposefully let it happen so the students of his school could get the best results and when the truth was discovered he just scapegoated Mr. Kermit? I’m wondering if you can confirm or deny this?

  Anyway, thank you for reading this!

  Sincerely,

  Veronika (with a K)

P.S. I`m sorry if there is any kind of errors, English isn`t my first language

Hi, Veronika,

Thanks for posting. You and your countrymen have all my sympathy and support. I'm honored that you chose one of my books for your study, and I'll try to get to all your quesions.

1. This book, and all my others, don't require what you might call "inspiration," Veronika. Most authors, myself included, write because we have something to say, a story to tell. That's just about all it takes to start us scribbling. I wrote it because writing is what I do as a profession. I'm someone who makes up fiction, and writes it down.

2. I had tons of feedback from teachers, some of whom called it "good old teacher porn." They thanked me for portraying a teacher as someone with a calling, something much more than just a job. They seemed to appreciate being portrayed as people who were devoted to their students, even when suffering what you might call "burn-out."

3. I hope the life lesson from this book will be that everyone has something to offer in this world, however unusual or unconventional it may be. And that devotion to one another is a wonderful quality. (And vuvuzuelas are noisy things!)

4. When I look back on the teachers who brought me from kindergarten on through to a college degree (a Bachelor of Arts), I can see every face, hear every voice. Each one "soldiers on" in his or her own way. I never had a single one who wasn't completely devoted to making me into an educated person, and I'm immensely grateful to all of them!

Re: your theory about Dr.Thaddeus and his perfidy. That's what I had in mind. Good for you for figuring it out! (And all in impeccable English, too!) Congratulations! And thanks again for choosing my book.

Kindest regards and prayers for your peace and safety,                                                                -----Gordon Korman-----

 

[Veronika]

Hi, that's me again.

About a month ago the results of research project defense were published and I got 90/100 and was placed second:) wanted to write about it earlier but I forgot.

Also, I hope you will continue to cooperate with Ukrainian publishing houses; in my country translated books are usually way more affordable than books in English, and I believe that there are many people who aren't fluent in English, but would love to read more of your novels.

So, thank you for "The Unteachables", my scientific director and I had a great time reading it and doing the research. I'll definitely keep reading your books!

Sincerely,

Veronika (with a K)

Hi, Veronika with a K,

Congratulations!  90/100 is something to brag about!                                         -----Gordon Korman-----