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Hi, Mr. Korman,

My name is Jason Bluestein, and I am the Principal of Burr Elementary School in Fairfield, CT. I run a weekly book club with four reluctant fifth grade boy readers (Carter, Cam, Ethan, and Spencer.) We just finished Restart together, and I wanted to take a moment – on behalf of the boys – to thank you. They loved the book. I loved the book. From the themes about forgiveness and change to the intersecting plot lines to how relatable the characters were for all of us, we loved reading and talking about the story – specifically Chase’s journey. These four boys could read – they just didn’t. To see them totally enthralled with the story, wanting to meet and talk, and reading on their own (which shocked some of their parents) – it was a beautiful thing to behold. (A nice reminder for me about how every reader just needs to find the right book.) My favorite memory from our book club was when we were reading the ending. The boys literally cheered when Mr. Solway came to the rescue in the courtroom. So, for all of us, again, a huge thank you.

They wanted me to ask you a few questions, so here goes:

– How long did it take to write Restart? Where did the idea come from? Are any of the characters – especially Chase – based (even loosely) on people you know?

– They thought it had a lot of visual elements and would make a great movie? Any plans to turn it into a film?

– Here’s one from me: Any advice you could offer reluctant, adolescent boy readers?

Thank you again for writing a book that truly moved us.

Jason (and Ethan, Spencer, Cam, and Carter)