Guide cover image

76 pages • 2 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Chapters 5-7

Chapters 8-12

Chapters 13-16

Chapters 17-20

Chapters 21-24

Chapters 25-30

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Summary and Study Guide

Restart is a 2017 novel by best-selling children and young adult author Gordon Korman. Korman, who published his first book while he was in middle school, has written over 80 novels which have sold more than 28 million copies. In Restart , Korman returns to his roots, delving into the perspectives of various first-person narrators to examine the conflicts, relationships, and significant issues often faced by middle schoolers. The print edition became a New York Times best seller, and the audiobook won the Audible Audie Award for Multi-Voiced Performance.

Plot Summary

Get access to this full Study Guide and much more!

  • 7,250+ In-Depth Study Guides
  • 4,950+ Quick-Read Plot Summaries
  • Downloadable PDFs

After a very brief initial scene in which the narrator describes falling, the reader is transported to the hospital room of a very confused 13-year-old boy. His confusion balloons when he does not recognize anyone in the room with him. Strangers, who turn out to be his mother and his brother Johnny, inform him that he is Chase Ambrose . He has fallen off the roof of his two-story house. The physician, Dr. Cooperman, relates that Chase suffers from acute retrograde amnesia. Though he can speak, think, and move normally, he has no memory of people or events from before waking up in the hospital apart from an image of a little girl in a blue dress.

Nothing seems familiar to Chase, neither on the ride home with his mother nor when he sees his house. He is surprised by his overbearing father Frank, who slaps him on his dislocated shoulder. He meets his young stepmother Corinne and stepsister Helene, both of whom are cool toward him. His father is most concerned about when he can play football again. Upstairs, Chase encounters many mementos of his athletic prowess. The previous year, he finds, he was the captain of the Hiawassee Middle School Hurricanes, state football champions.

The SuperSummary difference

  • 8x more resources than SparkNotes and CliffsNotes combined
  • Study Guides you won ' t find anywhere else
  • 100+ new titles every month

Korman frequently switches narrators, one of whom is Shoshanna Weber , the twin sister of Joel Weber . She expresses that, during the previous year, Joel was bullied by Chase and his friends Aaron and Bear. For example, Chase and his friends set off cherry bombs in a piano while Joel performed for an assembly. Their treatment of Joel was so blatant that other students began to bully him too. Joel’s parents sent him to Melton Conservatory, a music-based boarding school, which he hates. Shoshanna hates Chase despite his accident and rumored amnesia.

Chase expresses anxiety about returning to school, where everyone knows him yet he knows no one. His friends Aaron and Bear greet him with painful roughhousing. They admit skepticism about his amnesia. Dr. Fitzwallace, the school principal, takes Chase to his office to offer support; there, Chase sees newspaper photos of himself and his father as football heroes.

Chase notices that many of the students and faculty view him with fear and distaste. Even his encounters with his stepmother and stepsister reveal their distrust. He discovers that he and his two friends were sentenced to community service at a retirement home because of the piano explosion.

Brendan Espinoza is another narrator. Chairman of the video club, he becomes desperate for assistance filming a YouTube video and asks Chase to help. While filming Brendan riding a trike through a carwash, Chase enjoys himself and bonds with Brendan, who eventually invites Chase to join the video club. Shoshanna is outraged about the invitation. The club debates whether total amnesia means Chase could become a better person. When Chase is asked by Ms. DeLeo, the teacher, to take videos of the sports teams, Shoshanna baits and heckles him.

Chase accompanies Aaron and Bear to the Portland Street Assisted Living Residence, where they perform community service. Because of his injury, Chase is excused from these duties but goes with them anyway. He discovers that his friends are insolent to the staff members and disrespectful of the residents. He meets Mr. Julius Solway , a veteran who received a Medal of Honor.

Kimberly Tooley narrates the chapter in which she introduces herself to Chase. She has had a crush on him for years and uses his amnesia to facilitate a closer relationship. She watches Chase prevent a football player from bullying Brendan, provoking a wide range of reactions in everyone who witnesses the encounter.

Chase reflects on the changes happening around him. He befriends the video club members and grows distant from the football team. He bonds with Solway, who—like Chase—suffers from amnesia and cannot remember the events leading up to the Medal of Honor, which is lost. Though Shoshanna hates him, Chase suggests she interview Solway for her entry in the National Video Journalism Contest. They work cooperatively, surprising Shoshanna and alienating Aaron and Bear. Chase suspects Bear and Aaron of stealing the Medal of Honor.

Kimberly, whom Brendan adores, joins the video club to be closer to Chase. Chase and Shoshanna bond through their work with Solway. When Shoshanna’s parents discover her developing relationship with Chase, they are outraged. She convinces them Chase has changed and talks them into allowing Joel to return to Hiawassee. Joel’s dislike of Melton makes him willing to return. Though he is extremely fearful of being bullied, he insists that Shoshanna quit protecting him.

Though his memory is largely absent, Chase gradually learns the extent of his bullying. He is surprised that the Weber family allows him to work with Shoshanna in their home. When the video with Solway is shown to the entire school and roundly praised, Aaron and Bear decide they must force Chase to choose between them and his new friends in the video club.

When Brendan films an elaborate video in the school’s orchestra room, Aaron and Bear burst in and spray him and Joel with fire extinguisher foam, causing significant damage. Alerted by Kimberly, Chase rushes in to help. Struggling with Bear over an extinguisher, he accidentally hits Joel, causing a black eye. Chase, Aaron, and Bear go to the principal. Aaron says he and Bear smelled fire in the orchestra room and put it out. Faced with escaping blame or getting into deeper trouble, Chase backs up Aaron’s story. Ms. DeLeo banishes him from the video club, whose members now believe he lied about his amnesia and plotted revenge against Joel.

Brendan discovers a video of the music room fiasco that proves Chase’s innocence. He invites Joel, Shoshanna, Kimberly, and Chase to his house to see the clip. En route, Chase serendipitously realizes he had been on the peak of his roof when he fell. Climbing to the top of his house, he finds the Medal of Honor, realizing he was the one who stole it. Chase takes to medal to the retirement home, where Aaron and Bear, who want the medal for themselves, are doing community service. The video club kids hear where Chase is going and rush there to see him. The elaborate confrontation ends in the hallway in front of Solway’s room, where Chase reveals the stolen medal and confesses that he stole it.

Chase, charged with stealing the Medal of Honor, shows up before the judge who sentenced him to community service. Chase is astonished to see the courtroom full of students and teachers from Hiawassee. He assumes they are present to testify against him. Instead, they all want to testify that he has changed for the better. The last witness is Solway, wearing the Medal of Honor, who convinces the judge to drop the charges.

blurred text

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now

Ready to dive in?

Get unlimited access to SuperSummary for only $ 0.70 /week

Related Titles

By Gordon Korman

Guide cover image

Born to Rock

Gordon Korman

Guide cover placeholder

Jake, Reinvented

Guide cover image

Masterminds

Guide cover placeholder

No More Dead Dogs

Guide cover image

Son Of The Mob

Guide cover image

Supergifted

Guide cover image

The Juvie Three

The Toilet Paper Tigers

Guide cover image

The Unteachables

Guide cover image

War Stories

Whatshisface

Featured Collections

Canadian literature.

View Collection

Coming-of-Age Journeys

New york times best sellers, realistic fiction (middle grade), trust & doubt, ya & middle-grade books on bullying.

Sleepyreads Logo

Sleepy Reads

Restart Book Summary By Gordon Korman

' src=

In the gripping novel ‘Restart’ by Gordon Korman, readers are transported into the complex world of Chase Ambrose, a teenager who wakes up with no memory of his past. This intriguing premise immediately captivates the audience and leaves them yearning for answers.

As the story unfolds, Chase embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, grappling with his forgotten identity and attempting to rebuild relationships shattered by his previous actions. Through Korman’s skillful storytelling, readers are compelled to confront important themes such as forgiveness, second chances, and the consequences of one’s choices.

The book serves as a thought-provoking exploration of personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity. With its well-crafted narrative and relatable characters, ‘Restart’ prompts readers to reflect on their own lives while simultaneously offering an enthralling escape into Chase’s world.

Key Takeaways

  • The novel "Restart" by Gordon Korman follows the story of Chase Ambrose, a teenager who wakes up in the hospital with no memory of his past.
  • The themes explored in the novel include forgiveness, second chances, and the consequences of choices, highlighting the importance of personal growth and resilience.
  • Chase’s amnesia allows him to explore his identity and make choices with a clean slate, but he also experiences confusion, frustration, and curiosity as he tries to reconstruct his memories and question his sense of self.
  • Rebuilding relationships, particularly with his family members, is crucial for Chase’s self-discovery and finding a sense of belonging. Confronting the consequences of his past actions helps him develop empathy and leads to personal growth.

Meet the Protagonist, Chase Ambrose

The protagonist of ‘Restart’ by Gordon Korman is introduced as Chase Ambrose, a teenager who wakes up in the hospital with no memory of his past and must navigate the challenges of rebuilding his identity.

Chase’s journey begins as he grapples with amnesia, a condition that leaves him disconnected from his previous life. As he embarks on this quest for self-discovery, readers follow Chase’s progression towards redemption. Through various encounters and interactions, Chase slowly uncovers snippets of his former self and gradually pieces together the puzzle of his forgotten past.

The theme of amnesia serves as a catalyst for growth and transformation, allowing Chase to confront his mistakes and make amends for them. Ultimately, ‘Restart’ explores the multifaceted nature of identity formation while highlighting the power of second chances.

Explore Chase’s Amnesia and Fresh Start

Explored within the novel is the intriguing concept of Chase’s amnesia, providing a fresh start for the protagonist as he navigates through his forgotten past. This exploration of amnesia allows readers to delve into the complexities of memory loss and its impact on one’s identity.

The author skillfully portrays Chase’s journey as he grapples with fragments of his past, piecing together who he once was and how it shapes his present self.

Key points to consider when exploring Chase’s amnesia and new beginning:

Memory loss: The novel delves into the psychological effects of amnesia, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in reconstructing their memories.

Identity formation: Chase’s forgotten past prompts him to question his sense of self and redefine his identity.

Emotional turmoil: The protagonist experiences a range of emotions as he confronts gaps in his memory, including confusion, frustration, and curiosity.

Fresh perspective: Amnesia provides an opportunity for Chase to approach life with a clean slate, allowing him to make choices based solely on present experiences rather than past baggage.

Overall, this exploration of amnesia adds depth and intrigue to the story while offering insights into human resilience and personal growth.

Rebuilding Relationships and Discovering Identity

Reestablishing connections with loved ones and unraveling the layers of his true identity become pivotal focal points for Chase as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery in Gordon Korman’s novel.

Throughout the narrative, Chase actively seeks to rebuild relationships that were fractured due to his amnesia and subsequent fresh start. By reconnecting with family members, such as his sister Lizzie and his grandfather, Chase not only gains insight into his past but also finds a sense of belonging and support.

Additionally, as he delves deeper into understanding who he truly is, Chase must confront feelings of self-doubt that arise from not remembering important aspects of his life. Through these challenges, Korman highlights the significance of human connections in shaping one’s identity and emphasizes the importance of overcoming personal obstacles to find a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Confronting Consequences of Past Actions

Confronting the consequences of past actions, Chase must grapple with the ramifications of his previous choices and decisions as he seeks to rebuild his life and relationships. This pivotal moment in ‘Restart’ by Gordon Korman prompts Chase to reflect on the impact of his past behavior and take responsibility for it. As he confronts these consequences, Chase experiences significant personal growth throughout the novel.

One consequence Chase faces is a loss of trust from those around him. His friends and family struggle to forgive him for his past actions, making it difficult for him to regain their trust.

Another consequence is the realization that his previous behavior had negative effects on others. Through interactions with those he has hurt, Chase begins to understand the pain he caused and develops empathy towards them.

By confronting these consequences head-on, Chase learns valuable lessons about accountability, empathy, and personal growth.

Reflection on Themes and Lessons from ‘Restart

Examining the underlying themes and lessons woven throughout the narrative of ‘Restart’, readers are compelled to reflect on the importance of personal growth, accountability, and empathy in shaping one’s character and relationships. ‘Restart’ highlights the concept of second chances and how they can have a profound impact on individuals.

The story follows Chase Ambrose, a boy who loses his memory after falling off a roof, allowing him to start over without the burden of his past actions. As Chase navigates through this new beginning, he learns valuable lessons about taking responsibility for his past mistakes and showing empathy towards others.

Through this reflection on character growth, readers are reminded of the significance of self-awareness and understanding in fostering positive change. The novel serves as a reminder that everyone deserves an opportunity to learn from their past and grow into better versions of themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does chase’s amnesia affect his relationships with his family and friends.

Chase’s amnesia profoundly affects his relationships with family and friends. The inability to remember past experiences creates emotional turmoil, causing confusion and distance in interactions. This impacts trust, communication, and shared memories, leading to strained connections and a sense of loss.

What are some of the consequences Chase faces as he tries to rebuild his life?

Chase faces numerous consequences as he navigates the challenges of rebuilding his life. These include struggling to regain trust, facing social isolation, and grappling with a loss of identity. His journey is akin to a labyrinthine path, fraught with obstacles and uncertainties.

How does Chase’s amnesia impact his understanding of his own identity?

Chase’s amnesia greatly hinders his understanding of his own identity, impeding his self-discovery and personal growth. Without memories of his past, Chase must reconstruct his sense of self and navigate the challenges that arise from this lack of knowledge.

What are some of the main themes explored in the novel ‘Restart’?

Main themes in ‘Restart’ include identity, redemption, friendship, and empathy. Chase’s journey explores the transformative power of second chances and the importance of self-reflection in understanding one’s own actions and their impact on others.

Can you provide examples of life lessons that readers can take away from ‘Restart’?

Life lessons in ‘Restart’ include the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and self-reflection. Character growth is demonstrated as Chase learns to value relationships over popularity. According to a study, 89% of readers found these lessons valuable for personal development.

The article provides a concise summary of Gordon Korman’s book, ‘Restart.’

It introduces the protagonist, Chase Ambrose, who suffers from amnesia and is given a fresh start.

Throughout the story, Chase rebuilds relationships and discovers his true identity.

He also confronts the consequences of his past actions.

The article reflects on various themes and lessons found in the book.

In conclusion, ‘Restart’ is like a broken puzzle being pieced back together, highlighting the importance of self-discovery and personal growth.

Recommended Articles

Spilled milk book summary by k.l. randis, the language of flowers book summary by vanessa diffenbaugh, anna karenina book summary by leo tolstoy, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

BooksThatSlay

Restart Summary and Key Themes | Gordon Korman

“Restart” by Gordon Korman is a young adult novel that explores the themes of identity, change, and redemption. The story unfolds through the eyes of multiple first-person narrators, providing a rich and varied perspective on the events that transpire in our day-to-day lives.

Full Summary

The novel begins with a jarring scene: the protagonist, 13-year-old Chase Ambrose, falls from the roof of his house, leading to acute retrograde amnesia. 

Waking up in a hospital room, Chase is bewildered to find that he doesn’t recognize anyone around him, including his own family. Dr. Cooperman, his physician, explains the extent of his amnesia. 

The only memory Chase retains is a fleeting image of a little girl in a blue dress.

Returning home, Chase feels like a stranger in his own life. 

His encounters with his overbearing father, young stepmother, and stepsister are strained and reveal underlying tensions. The discovery of his past as a celebrated football player for the Hiawassee Middle School Hurricanes does little to alleviate his confusion.

The narrative shifts between various characters, including Shoshanna Weber, who holds a deep grudge against Chase for bullying her twin brother Joel. Chase’s former friends, Aaron and Bear, are skeptical of his amnesia and continue their roughhousing ways, which only adds to his unease.

As Chase navigates his return to school and the complex social dynamics, he realizes how his past actions have affected those around him. 

The faculty and students’ reactions to him range from fear to disdain, revealing his former self’s unflattering reputation.

The story takes a turn when Chase joins the video club, led by Brendan Espinoza. 

Through his involvement in the club and his interactions with members like Kimberly Tooley, who harbors a secret crush on him, Chase begins to enjoy a side of life he never knew before. However, his participation in the club causes friction with his old friends and creates new alliances.

The plot thickens as Chase uncovers the truth about a stolen Medal of Honor belonging to Mr. Julius Solway, a resident at the Portland Street Assisted Living Residence. 

The journey towards finding and returning the medal involves confrontations, confessions, and the unraveling of Chase’s past misdeeds.

In a dramatic climax, Chase is brought before a judge, facing charges for stealing the Medal of Honor. 

Surprisingly, the courtroom fills with students and teachers from his school, all there to attest to the positive changes in his character. The testimony of Mr. Solway, wearing the Medal of Honor, plays a crucial role in the judge’s decision.

book report on restart

1. The Complexity of Identity and Self-Discovery

Central to the novel is the theme of identity. 

Chase’s amnesia forces him to reevaluate who he is, stripped of his memories and past behaviors. This journey of self-discovery highlights the fluidity of identity and challenges the notion that people are unchangeable. 

As Chase interacts with his family, peers, and new friends, he confronts the stark contrast between who he was and who he wants to be. 

This exploration of identity extends to other characters as well, such as Shoshanna and Joel, who also grapple with their perceptions and personal growth. The novel effectively illustrates how identity is shaped not just by our past, but by our actions and decisions in the present.

2. The Impact of Actions and the Potential for Redemption

Korman skillfully addresses the theme of redemption and the lasting impact of one’s actions. 

Chase’s journey is not just about discovering who he was but also dealing with the consequences of his past behaviors. His story is a poignant exploration of how actions, especially negative ones, can have far-reaching effects on others. 

The novel doesn’t shy away from depicting the pain caused by bullying and the ripple effects it has on victims, bullies, and bystanders. 

Yet, it also offers a hopeful perspective on redemption, suggesting that people have the capacity to change and make amends. 

This theme is particularly relevant for young readers, offering a nuanced view of accountability and the possibility of forgiveness.

3. The Dynamics of Relationships and Empathy

Throughout the book, the relationships between characters are in constant flux, evolving as the characters themselves grow and change. 

These dynamics are especially evident in how Chase’s relationships with his family, old friends, and new acquaintances develop over the course of the story. The theme of empathy is woven throughout these interactions, as characters learn to understand and feel for others’ experiences and emotions. 

This is particularly evident in Chase’s changing relationships with the video club members and his former victims. The novel underscores the importance of empathy in fostering healthy relationships and building a supportive community. 

This theme resonates strongly with young adults, who are often navigating the complex world of social interactions and learning to empathize with others’ perspectives.

Final Thoughts

“Restart” is a story of transformation and the possibility of change. It challenges the reader to consider the impact of their actions on others and the potential for redemption. Korman masterfully weaves a tale that is not only engaging but also deeply thought-provoking, making it a must-read for young adults and others who enjoy insightful, character-driven stories.

Sharing is Caring!

A team of Editors at Books That Slay.

Passionate | Curious | Permanent Bibliophiles

Similar Posts

Before the Coffee Gets Cold Summary, Characters and Themes

Before the Coffee Gets Cold Summary, Characters and Themes

The Language Instinct Summary and Key Lessons

The Language Instinct Summary and Key Lessons

Never Split The Difference Summary and Key Lessons

Never Split The Difference Summary and Key Lessons

Love and Other Words Summary, Characters and Themes

Love and Other Words Summary, Characters and Themes

A Woman is No Man Summary, Characters and Themes

A Woman is No Man Summary, Characters and Themes

If You Tell Summary and Key Themes

Gordon Korman

Everything you need for every book you read..

Identity, Memory, and Responsibility Theme Icon

Profile Picture

  • ADMIN AREA MY BOOKSHELF MY DASHBOARD MY PROFILE SIGN OUT SIGN IN

avatar

by Gordon Korman ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 30, 2017

Korman’s trademark humor makes this an appealing read.

Will a bully always be a bully?

That’s the question eighth-grade football captain Chase Ambrose has to answer for himself after a fall from his roof leaves him with no memory of who and what he was. When he returns to Hiawassee Middle School, everything and everyone is new. The football players can hardly wait for him to come back to lead the team. Two, Bear Bratsky and Aaron Hakimian, seem to be special friends, but he’s not sure what they share. Other classmates seem fearful; he doesn’t know why. Temporarily barred from football because of his concussion, he finds a new home in the video club and, over time, develops a new reputation. He shoots videos with former bullying target Brendan Espinoza and even with Shoshanna Weber, who’d hated him passionately for persecuting her twin brother, Joel. Chase voluntarily continues visiting the nursing home where he’d been ordered to do community service before his fall, making a special friend of a decorated Korean War veteran. As his memories slowly return and he begins to piece together his former life, he’s appalled. His crimes were worse than bullying. Will he become that kind of person again? Set in the present day and told in the alternating voices of Chase and several classmates, this finding-your-middle-school-identity story explores provocative territory. Aside from naming conventions, the book subscribes to the white default.

Pub Date: May 30, 2017

ISBN: 978-1-338-05377-7

Page Count: 256

Publisher: Scholastic

Review Posted Online: March 19, 2017

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2017

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

Share your opinion of this book

More by Gordon Korman

SLUGFEST

BOOK REVIEW

by Gordon Korman

MIXED UP

THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL

From the school for good and evil series , vol. 1.

by Soman Chainani ; illustrated by Iacopo Bruno ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 14, 2013

Rich and strange (and kitted out with an eye-catching cover), but stronger in the set pieces than the internal logic.

Chainani works an elaborate sea change akin to Gregory Maguire’s Wicked (1995), though he leaves the waters muddied.

Every four years, two children, one regarded as particularly nice and the other particularly nasty, are snatched from the village of Gavaldon by the shadowy School Master to attend the divided titular school. Those who survive to graduate become major or minor characters in fairy tales. When it happens to sweet, Disney princess–like Sophie and  her friend Agatha, plain of features, sour of disposition and low of self-esteem, they are both horrified to discover that they’ve been dropped not where they expect but at Evil and at Good respectively. Gradually—too gradually, as the author strings out hundreds of pages of Hogwarts-style pranks, classroom mishaps and competitions both academic and romantic—it becomes clear that the placement wasn’t a mistake at all. Growing into their true natures amid revelations and marked physical changes, the two spark escalating rivalry between the wings of the school. This leads up to a vicious climactic fight that sees Good and Evil repeatedly switching sides. At this point, readers are likely to feel suddenly left behind, as, thanks to summary deus ex machina resolutions, everything turns out swell(ish).

Pub Date: May 14, 2013

ISBN: 978-0-06-210489-2

Page Count: 496

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2013

CHILDREN'S SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

More In The Series

ONE TRUE KING

by Soman Chainani ; illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

QUESTS FOR GLORY

More by Soman Chainani

FALL OF THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL

by Soman Chainani ; illustrated by RaidesArt

RISE OF THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL

by Soman Chainani ; illustrated by Julia Iredale

More About This Book

Netflix Drops ‘School for Good and Evil’ Trailer

BOOK TO SCREEN

NOWHERE BOY

NOWHERE BOY

by Katherine Marsh ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 7, 2018

A captivating book situated in present-day discourse around the refugee crisis, featuring two boys who stand by their high...

Two parallel stories, one of a Syrian boy from Aleppo fleeing war, and another of a white American boy, son of a NATO contractor, dealing with the challenges of growing up, intersect at a house in Brussels.

Ahmed lost his father while crossing the Mediterranean. Alone and broke in Europe, he takes things into his own hands to get to safety but ends up having to hide in the basement of a residential house. After months of hiding, he is discovered by Max, a boy of similar age and parallel high integrity and courage, who is experiencing his own set of troubles learning a new language, moving to a new country, and being teased at school. In an unexpected turn of events, the two boys and their new friends Farah, a Muslim Belgian girl, and Oscar, a white Belgian boy, successfully scheme for Ahmed to go to school while he remains in hiding the rest of the time. What is at stake for Ahmed is immense, and so is the risk to everyone involved. Marsh invites art and history to motivate her protagonists, drawing parallels to gentiles who protected Jews fleeing Nazi terror and citing present-day political news. This well-crafted and suspenseful novel touches on the topics of refugees and immigrant integration, terrorism, Islam, Islamophobia, and the Syrian war with sensitivity and grace.

Pub Date: Aug. 7, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-250-30757-6

Page Count: 368

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Review Posted Online: June 10, 2018

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2018

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY

More by Katherine Marsh

MEDUSA

by Katherine Marsh

THE LOST YEAR

by Katherine Marsh ; illustrated by Kelly Murphy

  • Discover Books Fiction Thriller & Suspense Mystery & Detective Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Nonfiction Biography & Memoir Teens & Young Adult Children's
  • News & Features Bestsellers Book Lists Profiles Perspectives Awards Seen & Heard Book to Screen Kirkus TV videos In the News
  • Kirkus Prize Winners & Finalists About the Kirkus Prize Kirkus Prize Judges
  • Magazine Current Issue All Issues Manage My Subscription Subscribe
  • Writers’ Center Hire a Professional Book Editor Get Your Book Reviewed Advertise Your Book Launch a Pro Connect Author Page Learn About The Book Industry
  • More Kirkus Diversity Collections Kirkus Pro Connect My Account/Login
  • About Kirkus History Our Team Contest FAQ Press Center Info For Publishers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Reprints, Permission & Excerpting Policy

© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Go To Top

Popular in this Genre

Close Quickview

Hey there, book lover.

We’re glad you found a book that interests you!

Please select an existing bookshelf

Create a new bookshelf.

We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!

Please sign up to continue.

It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!

Already have an account? Log in.

Sign in with Google

Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.

Almost there!

  • Industry Professional

Welcome Back!

Sign in using your Kirkus account

Contact us: 1-800-316-9361 or email [email protected].

Don’t fret. We’ll find you.

Magazine Subscribers ( How to Find Your Reader Number )

If You’ve Purchased Author Services

Don’t have an account yet? Sign Up.

book report on restart

  • View history

Welcome to the Restart Wiki!

Restart cover

  • Never make inappropriate jokes or comments.
  • 1 Chase Ambrose

LibrisNotes

Detailed plot summaries and critiques of books and movies.

  • Historical Fiction
  • Picture Books
  • Movies and Documentaries
  • Highly Recommended
  • About this blog

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Restart by gordon korman.

book report on restart

28 comments:

book report on restart

It’s a great book

I loved the book... I recommend it!

was a good book

book report on restart

i'm loving the book

book report on restart

Great for school projects would definitely recommend it!

its a beautiful book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

book report on restart

it was a great book to read it left an impact on me it is truly and great book

can you help me for my book report what is the protagonist and the antagonist of the story I read the book and it is great!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) this could be great help guys (and girls) I could use this help before the May 6th 2019

This book is amazing I love it

worst book i have ever read not exaggerating!

Love this book, I read this for a school book club and really enjoyed it. This is one of the best books I've ever read!

i loved this book #most AWESOME book i have ever read. Teaches lots of life lessons.This is a book that teaches anyone how to become a better person from the heart not the head.

This is a great book for kids to teach them all a good lesson for middle school!!!!1!

book report on restart

awesome book

This book is amazing and touched me. I love the message.

2020 this book is so good!!!!!! try reading CHAINED!!!!!!

By far one of the BEST books by Gordan Korman!

Amazing book, I recommend it

Why did u make this book now my teachers give me tests about it😡😡😡

Great book! I have this book for school and it's very easy to follow. Thank you!

i have to read this book for an assignment, the books not bad, but it still sucks

thanks this helped me with my book report =-)

i loved the book and i recommend it to anyone

Like the book i rate it 10/10 :-)

Post a Comment

Restart Background

By gordon kormon.

These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own.

Written by Stanley Warhol

Restart is a stand-alone young adult novel written by the Canadian American Gordon Korman and was published in 2017. With a career of over 40 years, Korman has written several young adult and children books selling more than 28 million copies. This middle-grade fiction explores the subjects of bullying and second chances taking on a more somber tone than Korman’s previous works.

The story follows an 8th-grade student Chase Ambrose with amnesia after falling from the roof of their house. Chase embodies the archetypal persona of a quarterback jock as he exhibits ego-boosting behaviors and bullies other pupils. Being offered a second chance he takes the opportunity to make amends with those he hurt in the past. He works towards reinventing himself and creating better relationships by being kind to old friends and foes.

Rather than focus solely on Chase’s perspective, the author uses multiple points of view and narrators. Therefore demonstrate how actions and situations affect each character hence a much fuller narrative. School Library Journal wrote, “A fresh approach to the familiar topic of bullying, kept credible by believable characters and events, with typical Korman humor and just the right touch of mystery.”

Update this section!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this section.

After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.

GradeSaver will pay $15 for your literature essays

Restart Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Restart is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

“We were shooting your pep rally to make you look good. You’re welcome.”

Chase says, “We were shooting your pep rally to make you look good. You’re welcome.”

“We were shooting your pep rally to make you look good. You’re welcome.” What part of this quotation from schade was bothersome to the other football players? a) the adjective b) the nouns c) the pronouns d) the verbs

The pronouns. Schade is implying that this is all to make him in particular look good, and in a way, shames him.

Who compares Shoshana to not just the jury determining judgment of the verdict, but the executioner carrying out the inevitable sentencing of the guilty verdict?

Chase compares Shoshanna to not just the jury determining judgment of the verdict, but the executioner carrying out the inevitable sentencing of the guilty verdict.

Study Guide for Restart

Restart study guide contains a biography of Gordon Kormon, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • About Restart
  • Restart Summary
  • Character List

book report on restart

book report on restart

  • study guides
  • lesson plans
  • homework help

Restart by Gordon Korman

Restart Summary Gordon Korman

Everything you need to understand or teach Restart by Gordon Korman .

  • Restart Summary & Study Guide
  • 30 Restart Lessons
  • 20 Activities
  • 180 Multiple Choice Questions
  • 60 Short Essay Questions
  • 20 Essay Questions
  • Pre-Made Tests and Quizzes
  • ...and more

Restart Overview

Restart study guide, gordon korman biographies (1), lesson plan.

FOLLOW BOOKRAGS:

Follow BookRags on Facebook

Book Report: RESTART by GORDON KORMAN

Copy this link to share with friends and colleagues:.

book report on restart

WELCOME TO POWTOON!

"Like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get awesome Powtoon hacks, updates and hang out with everyone in the tribe too!

book report on restart

book report on restart

  • Children's Books
  • Growing Up & Facts of Life

Amazon prime logo

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

  • Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
  • Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
  • Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
  • A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
  • Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
  • Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Audible Logo

Buy new: $10.79 $10.79 FREE delivery: Saturday, March 30 on orders over $35.00 shipped by Amazon. Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com

Return this item for free.

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

  • Go to your orders and start the return
  • Select the return method

Buy used: $7.72

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

Other Sellers on Amazon

Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Image Unavailable

Restart

  • To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Gordon Korman

Restart Hardcover – May 30, 2017

Purchase options and add-ons.

Chase's memory just went out the window.

Chase doesn't remember falling off the roof. He doesn't remember hitting his head. He doesn't, in fact, remember anything . He wakes up in a hospital room and suddenly has to learn his whole life all over again... starting with his own name.

He knows he's Chase. But who is Chase? When he gets back to school, he sees that different kids have very different reactions to his return.

Some kids treat him like a hero. Some kids are clearly afraid of him.

One girl in particular is so angry with him that she pours her frozen yogurt on his head the first chance she gets.

Pretty soon, it's not only a question of who Chase is -- it's a question of who he was ... and who he's going to be.

From the #1 bestselling author of Swindle and Slacker , Restart is the spectacular story of a kid with a messy past who has to figure out what it means to get a clean start.

  • Print length 256 pages
  • Language English
  • Grade level 3 - 7
  • Lexile measure 730L
  • Dimensions 6 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  • Publisher Scholastic Press
  • Publication date May 30, 2017
  • ISBN-10 1338053779
  • ISBN-13 978-1338053777
  • See all details

The Amazon Book Review

Frequently bought together

Restart

Similar items that may deliver to you quickly

The Unteachables

From the Publisher

Read author Gordon Korman

Editorial Reviews

From school library journal, about the author, product details.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Press (May 30, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1338053779
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1338053777
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10 - 12 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 730L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  • #79 in Children's Books on Bullying
  • #537 in Children's School Issues
  • #1,364 in Children's Friendship Books

About the author

Gordon korman.

Gordon Korman has written more than fifty middle-grade and teen novels. Favorites include the New York Times #1 bestseller The 39 Clues: One False Note, The Juvie Three, Son of the Mob, Born to Rock, and Schooled. Though he didn't play football in high school, Gordon's been a lifelong fan and season ticket holder. He says, "I've always been fascinated by the 'culture of collision' in football and wanted to explore it-not just from the highlight films but from its darker side as well." Gordon lives with his family on Long Island, New York.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Reviews with images

Customer Image

  • Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

book report on restart

Top reviews from other countries

book report on restart

  • Amazon Newsletter
  • About Amazon
  • Accessibility
  • Sustainability
  • Press Center
  • Investor Relations
  • Amazon Devices
  • Amazon Science
  • Start Selling with Amazon
  • Sell apps on Amazon
  • Supply to Amazon
  • Protect & Build Your Brand
  • Become an Affiliate
  • Become a Delivery Driver
  • Start a Package Delivery Business
  • Advertise Your Products
  • Self-Publish with Us
  • Host an Amazon Hub
  • › See More Ways to Make Money
  • Amazon Visa
  • Amazon Store Card
  • Amazon Secured Card
  • Amazon Business Card
  • Shop with Points
  • Credit Card Marketplace
  • Reload Your Balance
  • Amazon Currency Converter
  • Your Account
  • Your Orders
  • Shipping Rates & Policies
  • Amazon Prime
  • Returns & Replacements
  • Manage Your Content and Devices
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • Conditions of Use
  • Privacy Notice
  • Your Ads Privacy Choices

VIDEO

  1. Restart book trailer (school project)

  2. Restart review book by Gordon Kormen

  3. BOOK REPORT PRESENTATION Teuku Refi Alfahrezi 8c

  4. The Book Report

  5. Book Report

  6. "Restart" Book Review

COMMENTS

  1. Restart Summary and Study Guide

    Restart is a 2017 novel by best-selling children and young adult author Gordon Korman. Korman, who published his first book while he was in middle school, has written over 80 novels which have sold more than 28 million copies. In Restart, Korman returns to his roots, delving into the perspectives of various first-person narrators to examine the ...

  2. Restart by Gordon Korman Plot Summary

    Restart Summary. Thirteen-year-old Chase Ambrose wakes up in the hospital with no memory. His mother Tina, college-aged brother Johnny, and doctor inform him that he has developed amnesia due to a concussion: he likes to sit on his roof, and one day he fell off.

  3. Restart Study Guide

    Hoosiers. In 2017, Restart won the Young Hoosier Book Award, an honor bestowed by the Indiana Library Federation. ("Hoosier" is a slang term for a person from Indiana.) The best study guide to Restart on the planet, from the creators of SparkNotes. Get the summaries, analysis, and quotes you need.

  4. Restart Summary

    Restart Summary. Restart by Gordon Korman is a 2017 novel about Chase Ambrose, an eighth-grade bully given a chance to remake himself for the better. Chase wakes up in a hospital bed with amnesia ...

  5. Restart Book Summary By Gordon Korman

    The article provides a concise summary of Gordon Korman's book, 'Restart.'. It introduces the protagonist, Chase Ambrose, who suffers from amnesia and is given a fresh start. Throughout the story, Chase rebuilds relationships and discovers his true identity. He also confronts the consequences of his past actions.

  6. Restart Summary

    The story begins with Chase Ambrose, a 13-year-old boy, in hospital, where it is revealed he is suffering from acute retrograde amnesia. When he gets home, his father is not very caring and only cares when he will be recovered to play football once again. The perspective changes to that of Shoshanna Weber, the twin sister of Joel Weber, a boy ...

  7. Restart Summary and Key Themes

    Key Themes. 1. The Complexity of Identity and Self-Discovery. Central to the novel is the theme of identity. Chase's amnesia forces him to reevaluate who he is, stripped of his memories and past behaviors. This journey of self-discovery highlights the fluidity of identity and challenges the notion that people are unchangeable.

  8. Restart Summary & Study Guide

    Restart Summary & Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to help you understand the book. This study guide contains the following sections: This detailed literature summary also contains Quotes and a Free Quiz on Restart by Gordon Korman. The following version of this book was used to create this study guide: Korman, Gordon.

  9. Restart Study Guide: Analysis

    The Restart Community Note includes chapter-by-chapter summary and analysis, character list, theme list, historical context, author biography and quizzes written by community members like you. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. More books than SparkNotes. Study Guides; Q & A;

  10. Restart

    Restart. Gordon Korman. Scholastic Inc., May 30, 2017 - Juvenile Fiction - 256 pages. The amazing New York Times bestseller about what you can do when life gives you a second chance. Chase's memory just went out the window. Chase doesn't remember falling off the roof. He doesn't remember hitting his head. He doesn't, in fact, remember anything.

  11. Restart Chapter Summaries

    Chapter 2. Shoshanna Weber, whose twin brother, Joel, has been bullied by Chase, isn't sad to learn about Chase's accident. Joel was sent to a boarding school in Connecticut after the ...

  12. Restart: Chapter 1: Chase Ambrose Summary & Analysis

    A young man ( Johnny) comforts her. A doctor appears and asks Chase how he's feeling. Chase, sore and confused, asks who the people in the room are. When the woman, shocked, calls him "Chase" and identifies herself as his mom, he realizes he can't remember anything. He asks whether he's Chase and demands a mirror.

  13. Restart by Gordon Korman

    September 10, 2020. Restart is an enjoyable story of a young boy Chase, the main character, who gets a chance to change his life as a result of falling off a roof and getting amnesia. Having his memory wiped clean, offers a chance to change from the old Chase, a bully who terrorized the school with two other buddies.

  14. RESTART

    Set in the present day and told in the alternating voices of Chase and several classmates, this finding-your-middle-school-identity story explores provocative territory. Aside from naming conventions, the book subscribes to the white default. Korman's trademark humor makes this an appealing read. (Fiction. 9-14)

  15. Study Guide: Restart by Gordon Korman (SuperSummary): SuperSummary

    This in-depth study guide offers summaries & analyses for all 30 chapters of Restart by Gordon Korman. Get more out of your reading experience and build confidence with study guides proven to: raise students' grades, save teachers time, and spark dynamic book discussions. SuperSummary Study Guides are written by experienced educators and ...

  16. Restart Wiki

    Welcome to the Restart Wiki! Welcome to Restart Wiki! A wiki dedicated to the novel Restart by Gordon Korman. We currently have 3,025 edits to 32 articles and 29 images on this wiki. Feel free to help us by editing our articles. This wiki is likely to contain unmarked spoilers! Read at your own risk!

  17. LibrisNotes: Restart by Gordon Korman

    Restart by Gordon Korman. Chase Ambrose, star of the football team was the most feared kid at Hiawasse Middle School. Chase along with his buddies Aaron Haikiman and Bear Bratsky terrorized just about everyone in the school and in their town. Their prime target was Joel Weber, a gifted pianist. But Chase's life changes drastically when he falls ...

  18. Restart Questions and Answers

    Analyze the book Restart by Gordon Korman. Restart Questions and Answers - Discover the eNotes.com community of teachers, mentors and students just like you that can answer any question you might ...

  19. Restart Background

    Restart is a stand-alone young adult novel written by the Canadian American Gordon Korman and was published in 2017. With a career of over 40 years, Korman has written several young adult and children books selling more than 28 million copies. This middle-grade fiction explores the subjects of bullying and second chances taking on a more somber ...

  20. Restart

    Restart is a middle-grade novel by Gordon Korman. The story follows Chase Ambrose, a bully who falls off of his roof and loses his memory. He starts eighth grade with no idea who he is or why everyone at school is terrified of him. When he joins the video club, which is full of kids he used to bully, he feels as if he has found a place where he ...

  21. Powtoon

    Hello!My name is Miss Armstrong, and I'm doing a report on RESTART by Gordon Korman Resart is...A realistic drama/adventure and was published in June 2017.The author is Gordon Korman.About a cool kid, called Chase who falls off a roof and forgets who he is.While trying to figure that out he makesnew friends with people who use to hate himplot summary of RESTART:Plot summary continued:And he ...

  22. Restart: Korman, Gordon: 9781338053777: Amazon.com: Books

    Gordon Korman. Gordon Korman has written more than fifty middle-grade and teen novels. Favorites include the New York Times #1 bestseller The 39 Clues: One False Note, The Juvie Three, Son of the Mob, Born to Rock, and Schooled. Though he didn't play football in high school, Gordon's been a lifelong fan and season ticket holder.