
Reach for this book when your child is navigating social hierarchy, struggling with a difficult reputation, or learning the weight of their choices. It follows Chase Ambrose, a middle school football star and notorious bully who develops amnesia after a fall. Starting with a blank slate, Chase is horrified to discover the person he used to be. The story explores whether a person is defined by their past or their present actions. It is a powerful tool for discussing empathy, the social dynamics of middle school, and the courage it takes to change. Gordon Korman masterfully balances humor with deep questions about redemption, making it an accessible and thought-provoking read for ages 8 to 12. Parents will appreciate how it models the difficult process of earning back lost trust.
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Sign in to write a reviewA physical confrontation in a shed involves some minor danger and swinging tools.
Descriptions of past bullying acts, including a firecracker incident.
The book deals directly with bullying and physical injury. There is a subplot involving a veteran in an assisted living facility, which is handled with secular respect. The resolution is realistic: Chase is forgiven by some but must face legal consequences for his past crimes, suggesting that while the soul can change, actions still have weight.
A middle schooler who feels stuck in a certain social label or a child who has been on either side of a bullying dynamic and needs to see a path toward change.
Parents should be aware of a scene involving a stolen Medal of Honor and a physical altercation in a tool shed. The book can be read cold but benefits from discussing the legal and social consequences Chase faces. A parent might choose this after hearing their child was involved in a school conflict, or if they notice their child is becoming overly concerned with social status at the expense of kindness.
Younger readers (8-9) focus on the 'cool' mystery of amnesia and the funny moments. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuance of the multiple perspectives and the ethics of whether Chase is 'guilty' if he doesn't remember the crime.
Unlike most books about bullying that focus on the victim, this puts us inside the head of the reformed bully, making the 'villain' human and capable of growth.
After falling off his roof, 8th grader Chase Ambrose wakes up with acute retrograde amnesia. He remembers how to speak and walk, but has no memory of his identity or his history as a cruel, elite athlete who terrorized his peers. As he returns to school, he is caught between his old 'alpha' friends and the 'video club' nerds he once tormented. The story is told through multiple perspectives, highlighting the ripple effects of his past actions.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.