Gordon Korman

  • 61

    Catalog books

  • 22

    Works

  • 1986 to 2026

    Strongest span

Who This Author Is

Gordon Korman writes fast-paced, character-driven stories that tackle school life, friendship, and second chances with humor and heart. In RESTART (2026), Korman explores memory, identity, and redemption through a middle-schooler confronting actions he can’t remember but must make right, blending sharp dialogue with moral complexity.

Korman’s work trusts young readers with real dilemmas and moral choices while keeping the tone accessible and engaging. His chapters move briskly, scenes deliver emotional payoff, and recurring themes—responsibility, empathy, growth—anchor his plots, making RESTART a thoughtful, readable entry for teens and middle-grade readers.

Best Place To Start

Slapshots No. 3 The Face-off phoney

Scholastic Paperbacks • 2000 • quick commitment

It stands out because it asks for less time than many of the longer volumes on this page.

Author At A Glance

Best known for: Fast-paced, character-driven middle-grade fiction • Humorous school and friendship stories • Emotional moments balanced with breezy plotting

Genres and themes: Middle-grade adventure • School life & friendships • Coming-of-age with humor

Who this author is best for: Great for middle-grade readers who like quick, funny books that still handle real emotions.

Start with any recent middle-grade title or browse by school-story or adventure keywords to match tone and age level.

Top Books To Start With

  1. Slapshots No. 3 The Face-off phoney

    Scholastic Paperbacks • 2000 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 2000 • 144 pages.

  2. Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

    Scholastic Paperbacks • 1999 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1999 • 86 pages.

  3. RESTART

    Scholastic • 2026 • commitment varies by edition

    It helps anchor a specific period of this author’s publishing run instead of blending into the undated shelf clutter.

  4. Slacker

    Recorded Books • 2016 • commitment varies by edition

    UPB note: year signal: 2016.

  5. 6th Grade Nickname Game

    Demco Media • 2002 • commitment varies by edition

    UPB note: year signal: 2002.

  6. This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall (Apple Paperbacks)

    Scholastic Paperbacks • 1996 • quick commitment

    This one reads more like a collected shelf sample than a single clean starting point.

  7. Dive Book Two

    Scholastic Paperbacks • 2003 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 2003 • 148 pages.

  8. Cup Crazy (Slapshots)

    Scholastic Paperbacks • 2000 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 2000 • 156 pages.

  9. The Chicken Doesn't Skate

    Scholastic Paperbacks • 1998 • standard commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1998 • 197 pages.

  10. The Zucchini Warriors

    Scholastic Paperbacks • 1996 • standard commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1996 • 198 pages.

How The Picks Compare

  • Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire is the easier short commitment, while Slapshots No. 3 The Face-off phoney asks for more reading time up front.
  • Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire gives you an earlier look at this author’s shelf, while Slapshots No. 3 The Face-off phoney leans later in the catalog.
  • RESTART is also useful if you want a different publishing lane from Slapshots No. 3 The Face-off phoney.

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