READER’S FORUM

March 11, 2026 at 07:19 pm Reply

Kelly Self

Dear Gordan Korman,

My name is Olivia Burt and I attend Southside Elementary School in Cabot, Arkansas as a fourth grader. I just read your book “Restart” and I’m starting to read your book “WhatsHisName?”

I would like to ask you a few questions. Starting with, how do you come with all your amazing stories? I want to write a book but I can never think of exciting events to add to my stories. What is your favorite book that you have written? My favorite book I’ve read was Restart by YOU! I heard that you wrote our first book when you were 12 but it was published when you were 14. Is this true? I hope that you keep writing your amazing books.

Sincerely,

Olivia Burt
March 12, 2026 at 02:10 am Reply

Gordon

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Hi, Olivia,

(It also says Kelly Self, so I'm a bit confused!)

I'm glad to hear that you've started reading and enjoying my books. Thanks for your letter.

Your questions: My plots and characters are the result of a lot of thinking and plotting. No big mystery; it's just work. I honestly have no favorites among my books, but I'm very proud of the MASTERMINDS trilogy, and also of THE FORT, which was my 100th book. And yes, I wrote THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING AT MACDONALD HALL as a 7th grade English project. It became my first book. I was 12 when I wrote it, and just turned 14 by the time it was published.

Thanks again for writing, and for your kind words about my work. -----Gordon Korman-----
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Hi, Olivia,

(It also says Kelly Self, so I'm a bit confused!)

I'm glad to hear that you've started reading and enjoying my books. Thanks for your letter.

Your questions: My plots and characters are the result of a lot of thinking and plotting. No big mystery; it's just work. I honestly have no favorites among my books, but I'm very proud of the MASTERMINDS trilogy, and also of THE FORT, which was my 100th book. And yes, I wrote THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING AT MACDONALD HALL as a 7th grade English project. It became my first book. I was 12 when I wrote it, and just turned 14 by the time it was published.

Thanks again for writing, and for your kind words about my work. -----Gordon Korman-----