Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
The Unteachables (Balzer & Bray, 2019) by Gordon Korman is an inspiring upper middle grade novel with big splashes of humor.
Unusually (for a middle grade) it’s told from multiple points of view, including adults. We get a look at the misfits and delinquents who are isolated from the rest of the student body and put in one class together. These are the kids no one knows what to do with. And this year, their teacher is burned out and only hanging in ’til retirement. But something unexpected happens.
Meet Kiana who doesn’t belong, Mr. Kermit who’s sure it is a conspiracy, Parker with his provisional driver’s license, Aldo who definitely has anger issues, Elaine rhymes with pain, and more. Here’s a book trailer.
Don’t miss this book!
Author Gordon Korman has written over 95 books! Click here to his main book page and then choose what category you’d like to see more of his books.
You can “meet” Gordon here as he talks about how he got started and his most recent novel Restart.
I read RESTART this year and have THE UNTEACHABLES high on my list to read. Having taught some supposedly unteachables myself, I’m looking forward to the time I’ll get to spend with this story. Thanks for featuring on MMGM.
It was really good.
I won this, and it’s on my winter TBR list. Glad you enjoyed it.
Lucky you!
The video trailer was very good. Gave you a sense of the story very quickly — middle grade mayhem. The “unteachables” sound like an interesting group of kids. Enjoyed your review and will add to my TBR list.
Yea!
I haven’t read a Gordon Korman book in a long time, but I used to love the Swindle series and Ungifted! I feel like Korman is one of the few authors who gets kids who aren’t helped by our school system. Thanks for the great post!
Ooh, haven’t read those.
I really loved this book as well for all the reasons you mentioned. I’m glad to see you spreading the word.
Maybe you’re the one that shared about it in the first place… 😉
I haven’t read this one, but I have read many books by Korman. I have this on my list and hopefully will get to it in 2021. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!
Good one to have on your TBR list.
I remember really liking this book! Agree with you that it’s strange to get Mr. Kermit’s POV, but it works.
It does indeed.
What a provocative (and somewhat alarming) title. I’m sure the story turns this around.
Unfortunately, I think there are kids that are given up on way too often. This is such a hopeful story.