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The Unteachables
Written by Gordon Korman
If you are a problem student and the school system has given up on you, then for eighth grade you are sent to SCS-8, nicknamed “The Unteachables.” Aldo, Parker, Kiana, Elaine, Mateo, and Barnstorm are sent to this class and begin the school year by lighting a fire in the wastebasket and roasting marshmallows on number 2 pencils. Their teacher, Mr. Kermit, is anxiously counting down the days until his early retirement. For twenty-seven years his life has been sheer misery ever since the cheating scandal of 1992. At first the students and teacher barely tolerate each other as both are counting down the days until summer, but all that changes when their teacher fights for the students right to participate in school events. The students respect Mr. Kermit and are prepared to do anything for him, including saving his job when it is on the line. They will study their hearts out for the science assessment, participate in the district school fair, and voice their opinions about the unfairness of the situation to anyone who will listen.
I loved this book and the story is original. Gordon Korman expertly uses descriptive words to create memorable scenes and heartfelt characters. Each chapter is told in a different character perspective but it does not disrupt the flow of the story. It is one of the best children’s books I have read in a very long time.
Review by LeeAnne Grover, Hillside Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: 4th-9th grade
The Unteachables
Written by Gordon Korman
Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
279 pages
Release Date: January 8, 2019
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
Thanks for the great review! I’m anxious to read this one and add it to our collection. We have big Gordon Korman fans at our school.