Monday

Schooled by Gordon Korman


Korman, Gordon. Schooled. Hyperion Books for Children, New York, 2007. 208 pages. $5.99 ISBN 978-142310516-9

Schooled is geared to middle school readers.

Cap(ricorn) is a 13-year-old boy who lives with his grandmother, Rain, in the farm commune that she started in the 1960s. Up until now, Rain has homeschooled Cap to “avoid the low standards and cultural poison of a world that had lost its way.” They have no tv, no phone, little access to the outside world. But they share a close-knit relationship with each other, which has been enough so far. Lucky because they are all each other has -- everyone moved from the commune long ago. Cap’s world is turned upside down when Rain is hospitalized and he must (learn to) live elsewhere until she heals. He moves in with a modern family and attends public school. Tai chi on the front lawn, tie dye for every day of the week, corn husk shoes and Cap's odd way of talking not only make him stand out, but propel him into “weirdo” or “freakazoid” category. In middle school, a world where everyone is desperate to fit in, Cap becomes the target for practical jokes and bullying. How will he adjust? Can he manage to fit in as his Zen self – or will change now that he in this new world, apart from Rain and all that is comfortable and familiar? Can he ever go back to life as usual?

The first thing I said when I finished this book…“I enjoyed every page!”

Schooled is a memorable, often hilarious, story about diversity, acceptance, and friendship. It is wonderful as a readaloud (but you’ll read ahead) and provides ample opportunities to listen to and/or discuss some of today’s issues with kids. Issues like bullying, pranks, peer pressure, and fitting in make this a great book for the middle school audience. Korman’s addition of age-appropriate humor helps keep the book’s sensitive, emotional events light and open for discussion and exploration. Further, the layout of the book is brilliant. Each chapter is written from the viewpoint of one of Schooled’s diverse characters. This moves the plot along well and adds considerable depth to Cap’s story. It's one that begins with his severely limited exposure to viewpoints other than Rain's but ends differently. Schooled leaves the reader satisified with Cap’s growth and feeling secure in knowing that his character will continue to develop. After all, Cap has memorized the names and faces of 1100 students – that leaves a whole lotta’ perspective for Cap to explore.

Link to Gordon Korman's blog HERE.

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