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Old School
From New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman, comes a hilarious story about a boy who is homeschooled in his grandmother’s retirement community…until he is forced to go to public school.
Dexter Foreman is twelve… going on eighty. He has lived at The Pines Retirement Village with his grandmother since he was six years old, and as a result, he gets along better with senior citizens than kids his own age. He’s been home-schooled by the residents up until the day the county’s truancy officer shows up and announces that Dex has to go to the local middle school.
At school, Dex sticks out like a sore thumb. He dresses like a grandpa (and can be just as cranky). His taste in movies and music is decades out of date. Only a few students—like Gianna Greco, a reporter at the school’s newspaper—find him intriguing. For most, he is a weirdo ... or a target.
Raised among a generation of Mr. Fix-its, Dex can repair seemingly anything with his trusty Swiss army knife— which comes in handy since their old school building seems to be crumbling around them. It also ends up putting Dexter in a situation that could either make or break his school career.
Dexter would do anything to return to his old life at The Pines. But when his wish finally seems to be coming true, his old and new worlds collide in a way that surprises everyone—and Dexter most of all.
Dexter Foreman is twelve… going on eighty. He has lived at The Pines Retirement Village with his grandmother since he was six years old, and as a result, he gets along better with senior citizens than kids his own age. He’s been home-schooled by the residents up until the day the county’s truancy officer shows up and announces that Dex has to go to the local middle school.
At school, Dex sticks out like a sore thumb. He dresses like a grandpa (and can be just as cranky). His taste in movies and music is decades out of date. Only a few students—like Gianna Greco, a reporter at the school’s newspaper—find him intriguing. For most, he is a weirdo ... or a target.
Raised among a generation of Mr. Fix-its, Dex can repair seemingly anything with his trusty Swiss army knife— which comes in handy since their old school building seems to be crumbling around them. It also ends up putting Dexter in a situation that could either make or break his school career.
Dexter would do anything to return to his old life at The Pines. But when his wish finally seems to be coming true, his old and new worlds collide in a way that surprises everyone—and Dexter most of all.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 14, 2025
137 people are currently reading
4208 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Korman
243 books4,329 followersGordon Korman is a Canadian author of children's and young adult fiction books. Korman's books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide over a career spanning four decades and have appeared at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
June 21, 2025
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
I was really angry/annoyed with Dexter's parents' willful negligence in even checking up on their kid's schooling; I get that they're working in foreign services, but how self-centered and self-focused can you be on work that you're not even bothered to express some concern? Like a couple of check-ups every now and then doesn't go a long way, does it?? 😒
Thankfully, the loving and caring residents of The Pines were more than able to fulfill the role of doting family members that Dexter's own parents seemed to be unwilling to fulfill that mantle, and love him as a kind of community child we all share. 🫂
But, of course, that is not entirely the objective of the story.
“He doesn’t just live with the old people. He’s one of them.”
I suppose there is a difference between being old school and having an old soul. For while Dexter may have been comfortable with the old-fashioned methods of solving problems - mental or physical, it felt believable that he wanted to find a way to fit in with the younger crowd. 🥺 To be a kid. The subtle ways in which his mannerisms and fashion changed weren't forced, but felt genuine. ❤️🩹
I may never get over GK's change of having multi-perspectives, but at least it wasn't that overwhelming this time around. 👌🏻 I love the idea of simply 'T-shirt' as a T-shirt logo, and I liked how Dexter's charm even won over the class bully, Ronny. 😆 I liked that Dexter stood firm to his constituents. As much as a part of him slightly cared about returning to a new untapped world, it was nice how he still felt comfortable staying with the folks at the Pines. ’These are his people and he’s their darling.’ Even as it slowly started to dawn on him, that maybe there was a part of life's experiences he may have been missing out on. 🥺
“That always used to be enough for me. But now I’ve had a taste of a different kind of life and I think I like it.”
While I did feel it a bit of an exaggeration over the hue and cry that erupted following his suspension, it was a nice bridge for the youth to cross paths with the older generation - learn a thing or two from forgotten times that they just might benefit from. They were the cool kids, and it was fun how their interests and ideas gave the schoolkids a boost in their own lives. It was eye-opening, a bridge for the old and new worlds to join that actually worked well in Dexter’s favor. 🤝🏻🌐
I thought his friendship with Leo was a welcome touch. The legacy of the Bunker Boys will live on in their shared passion for cracking ciphers; the guise under which he had to do his school project was sad, but I liked the mature way in which Dexter dealt with it. Even if it led to an unhappy outcome, it was a nice tie-in to the memories of Leo that would live on. 👍🏻
“Retirees and middle schoolers seeking out each other’s company—all thanks to one boy. ”
Despite my praises, I still felt something was missing; a spark of humor, maybe, an emotional tug, or just maybe some kind of connection. 😕 Yes, there was the smidge of friendship, and the subtle boy-girl dynamic, but it still lacked something; maybe it resolved itself too comfortably. Well, considering the crime wasn’t even that serious, I guess that makes sense…
But, as much as the enthusiastic whims of the elders was quirky and lively, I didn’t feel the middle school charm to this; which maybe is oddly fitting and purposeful, considering how everyone was happily accepting the Old School ways! 😅 I just didn’t feel that triumphant closure that Gordon Korman’s books have always blessed me with. 😣
“Meet Dexter Foreman, age 12, newest student at Wolf’s Eye Middle School—and also America’s youngest senior citizen. . . .”
I was really angry/annoyed with Dexter's parents' willful negligence in even checking up on their kid's schooling; I get that they're working in foreign services, but how self-centered and self-focused can you be on work that you're not even bothered to express some concern? Like a couple of check-ups every now and then doesn't go a long way, does it?? 😒
Thankfully, the loving and caring residents of The Pines were more than able to fulfill the role of doting family members that Dexter's own parents seemed to be unwilling to fulfill that mantle, and love him as a kind of community child we all share. 🫂
But, of course, that is not entirely the objective of the story.
“He doesn’t just live with the old people. He’s one of them.”
I suppose there is a difference between being old school and having an old soul. For while Dexter may have been comfortable with the old-fashioned methods of solving problems - mental or physical, it felt believable that he wanted to find a way to fit in with the younger crowd. 🥺 To be a kid. The subtle ways in which his mannerisms and fashion changed weren't forced, but felt genuine. ❤️🩹
I may never get over GK's change of having multi-perspectives, but at least it wasn't that overwhelming this time around. 👌🏻 I love the idea of simply 'T-shirt' as a T-shirt logo, and I liked how Dexter's charm even won over the class bully, Ronny. 😆 I liked that Dexter stood firm to his constituents. As much as a part of him slightly cared about returning to a new untapped world, it was nice how he still felt comfortable staying with the folks at the Pines. ’These are his people and he’s their darling.’ Even as it slowly started to dawn on him, that maybe there was a part of life's experiences he may have been missing out on. 🥺
“That always used to be enough for me. But now I’ve had a taste of a different kind of life and I think I like it.”
While I did feel it a bit of an exaggeration over the hue and cry that erupted following his suspension, it was a nice bridge for the youth to cross paths with the older generation - learn a thing or two from forgotten times that they just might benefit from. They were the cool kids, and it was fun how their interests and ideas gave the schoolkids a boost in their own lives. It was eye-opening, a bridge for the old and new worlds to join that actually worked well in Dexter’s favor. 🤝🏻🌐
I thought his friendship with Leo was a welcome touch. The legacy of the Bunker Boys will live on in their shared passion for cracking ciphers; the guise under which he had to do his school project was sad, but I liked the mature way in which Dexter dealt with it. Even if it led to an unhappy outcome, it was a nice tie-in to the memories of Leo that would live on. 👍🏻
“Retirees and middle schoolers seeking out each other’s company—all thanks to one boy. ”
Despite my praises, I still felt something was missing; a spark of humor, maybe, an emotional tug, or just maybe some kind of connection. 😕 Yes, there was the smidge of friendship, and the subtle boy-girl dynamic, but it still lacked something; maybe it resolved itself too comfortably. Well, considering the crime wasn’t even that serious, I guess that makes sense…
But, as much as the enthusiastic whims of the elders was quirky and lively, I didn’t feel the middle school charm to this; which maybe is oddly fitting and purposeful, considering how everyone was happily accepting the Old School ways! 😅 I just didn’t feel that triumphant closure that Gordon Korman’s books have always blessed me with. 😣
June 28, 2024
Gordon Korman just keeps putting out fantastic books for middle grade students! Old School is his 105th book and he still creates new and wonderful stories that keep me turning pages as fast as I can and providing reminders that our kids are something special.
This title focuses on a 7th grade boy who has lived most of his life with his grandmother in a condo in a senior living community. Lack of proper registration as a homeschooled student results in a visit from a truancy officer and puts Dex into a public middle school for the first time and it is awkward with a capital A. After a short time and a unjustified suspension, nearly the whole school rallies behind him, begins to show up at the senior center and finds that hanging out with those age 60+ is fun! Of course it wouldn’t happen in real life. Unfortunately, our kids don’t have always that sense of justice and ability to unify in support of a cause so completely. BUT, it’s nice to think they could and the sheer rightness of their actions will make readers cheer!! There is laughter, tears and kids being kids and I had one of those sighs of satisfaction at the end that means I gave it 5 stars, which is very rare for me.
Main characters Dexter, Gianna and her brother Ronny, Jackson, and strong supporting characters Ms Napier and Teagan each tell what is happening in their own chapters providing multiple views of the same event. The group represents typical personalities present at any school-Dexter is a bit of an oddball whose intelligence puts him at the top of the class very quickly. Gianna is a budding newspaper reporter with integrity. Brother Ronny is an obnoxious bully, has repeated a grade and may have to repeat another if he doesn’t pull things together. Jackson is a stellar athlete and was at the top of the class until Dex arrived. Ms Napier, unlike the clueless principal, actually seems to like and understand the tweens and teens on campus. Teagan is one of those fair weather friends who has decided that what ever is important to her should be the biggest priority for all. Korman develops each personality clearly but even the “bad guys” have traits that should evoke some sympathy and understanding with readers.
Korman keeps his works free of profanity, sexual content and any violence is kept mild. Page count is under 300 pages, making it more accessible than many other books being published for the grades 4-8 crowd.
Highly recommended!!!
Thanks for an eARC, Edelweiss.
This title focuses on a 7th grade boy who has lived most of his life with his grandmother in a condo in a senior living community. Lack of proper registration as a homeschooled student results in a visit from a truancy officer and puts Dex into a public middle school for the first time and it is awkward with a capital A. After a short time and a unjustified suspension, nearly the whole school rallies behind him, begins to show up at the senior center and finds that hanging out with those age 60+ is fun! Of course it wouldn’t happen in real life. Unfortunately, our kids don’t have always that sense of justice and ability to unify in support of a cause so completely. BUT, it’s nice to think they could and the sheer rightness of their actions will make readers cheer!! There is laughter, tears and kids being kids and I had one of those sighs of satisfaction at the end that means I gave it 5 stars, which is very rare for me.
Main characters Dexter, Gianna and her brother Ronny, Jackson, and strong supporting characters Ms Napier and Teagan each tell what is happening in their own chapters providing multiple views of the same event. The group represents typical personalities present at any school-Dexter is a bit of an oddball whose intelligence puts him at the top of the class very quickly. Gianna is a budding newspaper reporter with integrity. Brother Ronny is an obnoxious bully, has repeated a grade and may have to repeat another if he doesn’t pull things together. Jackson is a stellar athlete and was at the top of the class until Dex arrived. Ms Napier, unlike the clueless principal, actually seems to like and understand the tweens and teens on campus. Teagan is one of those fair weather friends who has decided that what ever is important to her should be the biggest priority for all. Korman develops each personality clearly but even the “bad guys” have traits that should evoke some sympathy and understanding with readers.
Korman keeps his works free of profanity, sexual content and any violence is kept mild. Page count is under 300 pages, making it more accessible than many other books being published for the grades 4-8 crowd.
Highly recommended!!!
Thanks for an eARC, Edelweiss.
June 19, 2025
Hilarious and heartwarming "fish out of water," G-rated, middle-grade novel that is Gordon Korman at his best
As is often the case in Gordon Korman's comedies, this story is told from the POV of multiple characters:
Dexter Foreman: the 12-year-old main protagonist, with the most significant growth arc in the novel. He has lived with his grandmother in her private bungalow at The Pines, a retirement community, since he was six years old. In addition to his loving grandmother, he’s become the honorary grandchild of dozens of retirees, including his best friend Leo, a 99-year-old former World War II codebreaker. A team of highly educated retirees has been homeschooling Dexter for the past six years--until a truant officer forces him into public school because his grandmother never officially registered his homeschooling, an unfortunate oversight since homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. With extreme reluctance, Dexter becomes a student at Wolf’s Eye Middle School (WEMS). He loves his life just the way it is and doesn’t want anything to change. In Dungeons and Dragons terms, Dexter begins as True Neutral, focused on comfort and stability rather than principle. But he evolves into Neutral Good, choosing to do what’s right even when it’s difficult or unfamiliar.
Gianna Greco: a 12-year-old aspiring journalist who stalks Dexter to write a story about him for the school newspaper, believing he’s the most interesting thing ever to happen at their school--or in their town. She has the second-most significant growth arc, shifting from viewing Dexter as an object to use for her own ambition to genuinely valuing his friendship. In Dungeons and Dragons terms, Gianna starts as Lawful Neutral, driven by structure and purpose, with little regard for others’ feelings. But she evolves into Neutral Good, letting go of her agenda and choosing empathy over ambition.
Ronnie Greco: Gianna’s older brother, also in seventh grade after being held back. He’s now at risk of repeating the grade again due to failing math. Filled with frustrated rage, he initially bullies Dexter, but his “enemies to friends” arc is both hilarious and heartfelt. In DD terms, Ronnie begins as Chaotic Neutral, acting out from insecurity and impulse. Over time, he shifts to Neutral Good, channeling his energy into friendship and personal growth grounded in empathy.
Ms. Napier: the compassionate, idealistic school counselor at WEMS. A static character, she exemplifies the Lawful Good alignment, following rules with compassion and using the system to support students rather than enforce bureaucracy. Her lack of a growth arc reinforces her role as a moral constant, lawful not out of rigidity, but from steady, principled care.
Jackson Sharpe: the most popular and successful kid at WEMS...until Dexter comes along. A static character, Jackson’s exaggerated confidence and third-person self-references are hilariously over the top. He embodies the long-standing cultural trope of the “self-proclaimed legend,” a modern Gaston from the Disney movie, "Beauty and the Beast." In DD terms, Jackson is classic Chaotic Neutral: ruled by ego, resistant to authority, and driven more by self-image than by any moral or ethical code.
Teagan Santoro: a girl from New York City whom Dexter has known since they were six, due to her grandparents living at The Pines. Once his close friend, she returns only to mock him as a geeky freak for dressing and talking like a retiree. But when she sees him becoming popular at WEMS, she grows jealous, especially of Gianna, and pretends to rekindle their friendship to compete for his attention. In DD terms, Teagan fits the Neutral Evil alignment: self-serving, manipulative, and driven by envy, with little regard for how her actions affect others.
The story feels like a self-homage to one of my favorite Gordon Korman middle-grade comedies, Schooled (2007). While both share a “fish out of water” premise, each executes it in a unique way. I loved everything about this book. It’s both hilarious and warm-hearted, with a vivid cast of memorable characters. I especially appreciated its alternate-reality version of something many talk about but few implement: meaningful intergenerational connection. The way multiple senior citizens and preteens pair off in perfectly matched friendships is both emotionally rich and educational for both sides.
I’ve read dozens of books by this prolific author, who has written nearly 100 titles since his first publication at age 14 in 1978. I’m especially fond of his comedies for middle schoolers, far more than his melodramatic young-adult novels. I was delighted to find that this 2025 release returns to the style of his early, humorous, middle-grade novels. It stands out as one of the best examples of that delightful approach.
As is often the case in Gordon Korman's comedies, this story is told from the POV of multiple characters:
Dexter Foreman: the 12-year-old main protagonist, with the most significant growth arc in the novel. He has lived with his grandmother in her private bungalow at The Pines, a retirement community, since he was six years old. In addition to his loving grandmother, he’s become the honorary grandchild of dozens of retirees, including his best friend Leo, a 99-year-old former World War II codebreaker. A team of highly educated retirees has been homeschooling Dexter for the past six years--until a truant officer forces him into public school because his grandmother never officially registered his homeschooling, an unfortunate oversight since homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. With extreme reluctance, Dexter becomes a student at Wolf’s Eye Middle School (WEMS). He loves his life just the way it is and doesn’t want anything to change. In Dungeons and Dragons terms, Dexter begins as True Neutral, focused on comfort and stability rather than principle. But he evolves into Neutral Good, choosing to do what’s right even when it’s difficult or unfamiliar.
Gianna Greco: a 12-year-old aspiring journalist who stalks Dexter to write a story about him for the school newspaper, believing he’s the most interesting thing ever to happen at their school--or in their town. She has the second-most significant growth arc, shifting from viewing Dexter as an object to use for her own ambition to genuinely valuing his friendship. In Dungeons and Dragons terms, Gianna starts as Lawful Neutral, driven by structure and purpose, with little regard for others’ feelings. But she evolves into Neutral Good, letting go of her agenda and choosing empathy over ambition.
Ronnie Greco: Gianna’s older brother, also in seventh grade after being held back. He’s now at risk of repeating the grade again due to failing math. Filled with frustrated rage, he initially bullies Dexter, but his “enemies to friends” arc is both hilarious and heartfelt. In DD terms, Ronnie begins as Chaotic Neutral, acting out from insecurity and impulse. Over time, he shifts to Neutral Good, channeling his energy into friendship and personal growth grounded in empathy.
Ms. Napier: the compassionate, idealistic school counselor at WEMS. A static character, she exemplifies the Lawful Good alignment, following rules with compassion and using the system to support students rather than enforce bureaucracy. Her lack of a growth arc reinforces her role as a moral constant, lawful not out of rigidity, but from steady, principled care.
Jackson Sharpe: the most popular and successful kid at WEMS...until Dexter comes along. A static character, Jackson’s exaggerated confidence and third-person self-references are hilariously over the top. He embodies the long-standing cultural trope of the “self-proclaimed legend,” a modern Gaston from the Disney movie, "Beauty and the Beast." In DD terms, Jackson is classic Chaotic Neutral: ruled by ego, resistant to authority, and driven more by self-image than by any moral or ethical code.
Teagan Santoro: a girl from New York City whom Dexter has known since they were six, due to her grandparents living at The Pines. Once his close friend, she returns only to mock him as a geeky freak for dressing and talking like a retiree. But when she sees him becoming popular at WEMS, she grows jealous, especially of Gianna, and pretends to rekindle their friendship to compete for his attention. In DD terms, Teagan fits the Neutral Evil alignment: self-serving, manipulative, and driven by envy, with little regard for how her actions affect others.
The story feels like a self-homage to one of my favorite Gordon Korman middle-grade comedies, Schooled (2007). While both share a “fish out of water” premise, each executes it in a unique way. I loved everything about this book. It’s both hilarious and warm-hearted, with a vivid cast of memorable characters. I especially appreciated its alternate-reality version of something many talk about but few implement: meaningful intergenerational connection. The way multiple senior citizens and preteens pair off in perfectly matched friendships is both emotionally rich and educational for both sides.
I’ve read dozens of books by this prolific author, who has written nearly 100 titles since his first publication at age 14 in 1978. I’m especially fond of his comedies for middle schoolers, far more than his melodramatic young-adult novels. I was delighted to find that this 2025 release returns to the style of his early, humorous, middle-grade novels. It stands out as one of the best examples of that delightful approach.
March 29, 2025
A sweet wholesome read
July 11, 2024
Wow! GK does it again!
This book was so charming and heart-warming! The relationships between middle schoolers and a retirement community are examples I wish we could instill in every single community. We'd all be better for it, like the characters in this story. Do yourself a favor and get your middle grade readers to read this one!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC preview copy!
This book was so charming and heart-warming! The relationships between middle schoolers and a retirement community are examples I wish we could instill in every single community. We'd all be better for it, like the characters in this story. Do yourself a favor and get your middle grade readers to read this one!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC preview copy!
January 6, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins Children’s Books for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this – even though it’s a middle grade book, it was engaging, realistic, humorous, and entertaining. I think any age reader would appreciate it. The story kept me turning the pages, there were a few interesting side plots, many appealing characters, credible relationships, and the writing was excellent.
The chapters alternate points of view, but it’s always 12-year-old Dexter Foreman’s story. He’s been living with his grandmother in a retirement village in the small town of Wolf’s Eye since he was six, and homeschooled by a variety of retired educators who also live there. When a truancy officer discovers he’s never been to school, he is forced to attend the local middle school.
Every reader can imagine what life is like for a dorky 7th grader who is now in a foreign-to-him environment. Author Korman portrays this new world vividly, yet without profanity, sexual innuendo, and only mild violence. He meets a variety of students and becomes the subject of several articles in the school’s newspaper, The Eyeball.
One of the first things Dexter learns at his new school is “the biggest argument in town is whether we should tear the middle school down or just wait for it to collapse on its own. Except new schools are expensive and people are divided over whether it would be worth it to spend the money or just keep on fixing and patching the old doghouse.”
I don’t want to share any more of the story, but I urge you to read this heartwarming story about a young boy who becomes the school’s hero. Dexter is “the kid who risked everything to improve the school he loves, [even though he] never wanted to be here in the first place.”
I really enjoyed this – even though it’s a middle grade book, it was engaging, realistic, humorous, and entertaining. I think any age reader would appreciate it. The story kept me turning the pages, there were a few interesting side plots, many appealing characters, credible relationships, and the writing was excellent.
The chapters alternate points of view, but it’s always 12-year-old Dexter Foreman’s story. He’s been living with his grandmother in a retirement village in the small town of Wolf’s Eye since he was six, and homeschooled by a variety of retired educators who also live there. When a truancy officer discovers he’s never been to school, he is forced to attend the local middle school.
Every reader can imagine what life is like for a dorky 7th grader who is now in a foreign-to-him environment. Author Korman portrays this new world vividly, yet without profanity, sexual innuendo, and only mild violence. He meets a variety of students and becomes the subject of several articles in the school’s newspaper, The Eyeball.
One of the first things Dexter learns at his new school is “the biggest argument in town is whether we should tear the middle school down or just wait for it to collapse on its own. Except new schools are expensive and people are divided over whether it would be worth it to spend the money or just keep on fixing and patching the old doghouse.”
I don’t want to share any more of the story, but I urge you to read this heartwarming story about a young boy who becomes the school’s hero. Dexter is “the kid who risked everything to improve the school he loves, [even though he] never wanted to be here in the first place.”
February 12, 2025
It pains me to say this, but I think I have officially outgrown GK books 😭 It was still an enjoyable, quick read, but it just didn't HIT the way his books have before 🥲 I also felt that this was pretty much a retelling of his book "Schooled", which I LOVED... As a book for middle schoolers, it is a great book!! The characters are fun, unique premise, and a good lesson about not judging others no matter their background!
It's a fun read for those who are around the age range, and the ones I read when I was younger will always have a place in my heart, but I don't think his new ones are for me 🙂
It's a fun read for those who are around the age range, and the ones I read when I was younger will always have a place in my heart, but I don't think his new ones are for me 🙂
February 23, 2025
"Meet Dexter Foreman, age 12, newest student at Wolf Eye's Middle School — and also America's youngest senior citizen...."
✏️ Review ✏️
Another humorous and fun book by Gordon Korman! I had a great time reading Old School and found myself smiling and chuckling to myself many times throughout the story. 😄
Korman's writing style is really enjoyable and flows so smoothly that it sounds just like natural conversation. I also liked how for each different character's perspective the writing takes on a bit of a different style to compliment their different personalities. The writing style also captures the voice of contemporary young people effectively. I've always enjoyed Korman's writing style and this book certainly didn't disappoint.
Based on themes of acceptance, identity, self-discovery, and the value of community, Old School's plot provides entertainment while also reinforcing admirable character traits. And, yeah, the plot does a great job at exploring generational gaps. So while not the most stellar plot, I still enjoyed it quite a bit (I read the last half of the book in one sitting!).
I loved the multiple character POVs; they connect so seamlessly together and transition so smoothly. The characters themselves feature distinct and defined personalities. Like, Dexter? He's such an interesting character. Some people might say that he grew up in the wrong generation. But the personal way Korman presents his dilemma makes it so easy for the reader to relate and root for Dexter from the very beginning.
Old School is a great book for MG readers but also holds much appeal for older readers as well. Definitely recommended.
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📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The writing style — it flows and smoothly and sounds natural.
• The characters — they're distinct and defined.
• The multiple POVs — effortless transition and seamless connection.
• The humor.
• The themes' subtle but overarching appearance.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• Perhaps there could have been a bit more foundation to the plot's ending — it ends kinda succinctly.
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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 4/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
— 📝 Writing: 4/5
— 👥 Characters: 4/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 1/5
• Just two uses of "h*ck."
— ⚔️ Violence: 0/5
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
• (None)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• (None)
✏️ Review ✏️
Another humorous and fun book by Gordon Korman! I had a great time reading Old School and found myself smiling and chuckling to myself many times throughout the story. 😄
"Dexter Foreman is a seventh grader like me, but when he was six, his parents took off on this international expat lifestyle, leaving Dex with his grandmother to grow up in her retirement village. I have a sudden flash of understanding about his clothes, which are so strange yet also strangely familiar. He dresses like my grandfather! Bits and pieces from once-snazzy outfits that are semiretired. High waists; big clunky shoes designed for sore feet. A sweater because you never know when there's going to be a draft. This kid is twelve going on eighty!"
Korman's writing style is really enjoyable and flows so smoothly that it sounds just like natural conversation. I also liked how for each different character's perspective the writing takes on a bit of a different style to compliment their different personalities. The writing style also captures the voice of contemporary young people effectively. I've always enjoyed Korman's writing style and this book certainly didn't disappoint.
Based on themes of acceptance, identity, self-discovery, and the value of community, Old School's plot provides entertainment while also reinforcing admirable character traits. And, yeah, the plot does a great job at exploring generational gaps. So while not the most stellar plot, I still enjoyed it quite a bit (I read the last half of the book in one sitting!).
"I can't really blame [Dexter]. The reason we grew apart is because I live in the real world and he lives in senior citizen la-la land. Like his clothes. A few years ago, it didn't bother me that he dressed like such a weirdo. But now the fact that he looks like a miniature version of my grandfather is something I can't ever unsee."
I loved the multiple character POVs; they connect so seamlessly together and transition so smoothly. The characters themselves feature distinct and defined personalities. Like, Dexter? He's such an interesting character. Some people might say that he grew up in the wrong generation. But the personal way Korman presents his dilemma makes it so easy for the reader to relate and root for Dexter from the very beginning.
Old School is a great book for MG readers but also holds much appeal for older readers as well. Definitely recommended.
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📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The writing style — it flows and smoothly and sounds natural.
• The characters — they're distinct and defined.
• The multiple POVs — effortless transition and seamless connection.
• The humor.
• The themes' subtle but overarching appearance.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• Perhaps there could have been a bit more foundation to the plot's ending — it ends kinda succinctly.
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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 4/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
— 📝 Writing: 4/5
— 👥 Characters: 4/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 1/5
• Just two uses of "h*ck."
— ⚔️ Violence: 0/5
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
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📣 Random Comments 📣
• (None)
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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• (None)
Read
January 17, 2025this was so fun! i started an arc awhile ago and then got busy with other things so i tried the audiobook once it was out. so glad i did because the cast is wonderful. perfect if you’re in the mood for a charming, quirky middle grade read!
January 19, 2025
Old School by Gordon Korman (2025)
5h 42m narrated by Rosemary Benson, Fred Berman, Michael Crouch, Vyvy Nguyen, Mark Sanderlin, and Katie Anvil Rich, 288 pages
Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction, Humor
Featuring: Character Named Chapters, School Story, Senior/Retirement/ Apartments, Bingo, Fraud, Homeschooling, Middle School, Family Dynamics & Drama, Friendship, School Newspaper, New To Public School Trope, Repairs, Shuffle Board, 12-year-olds, WWII, Community, Education
Rating as a movie: PG
Songs for the soundtrack: "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift
Books and Authors mentioned: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling, Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏫💼🪛
My thoughts: 📱7% 11:43 [Chapter] 2. Gianna Greco - This opening was completely unrealistic but my son didn't care.
📱11% 36:13 [Chapter] 4. Dexter Foreman - I don't know if it's me or because I'm forced to stop every couple of chapters, but this is interesting but slow.
📱23% 1:18:10 [Chapter] 7. Jackson Sharpe - Not bad; unfortunately, we have to stop in the middle of a roll.
📱1:37:03 [Chapter] 9. Ronny Greco - This isn't bad, but it's not as good as his other school stories; the humor is very dry.
📱45% 2:34:43 [Chapter] 14. Jackson Sharpe - It's better and predictable.
📱57% 3:15:46 [7m into Chapter] 17. Dexter Foreman [9m from Chapter] 18 - Totally saw this coming this is starting to get kind of good.
📱68% 3:52:50 [Chapter] 21. Ms. Napier - I'm still in the 3-star zone (9th period! expelled and suspended are not the same!) but my son is starting to really enjoy it, although he doesn't like Jackson.
📱76% 4:19:48 [Chapter] 24. Gianna Greco - My kid is mad because I didn't want to sit in the car to finish the book, so he might finish it alone. It's definitely heating up.
They got me! It was just okay and what we didn't want to happen occurred but this story grew on us, although it wasn't his best it was one of the better stories. My son said, "It was alright."
Recommend to others: Sure, Korman knows how to write a humorous and meaningful school story.
5h 42m narrated by Rosemary Benson, Fred Berman, Michael Crouch, Vyvy Nguyen, Mark Sanderlin, and Katie Anvil Rich, 288 pages
Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction, Humor
Featuring: Character Named Chapters, School Story, Senior/Retirement/ Apartments, Bingo, Fraud, Homeschooling, Middle School, Family Dynamics & Drama, Friendship, School Newspaper, New To Public School Trope, Repairs, Shuffle Board, 12-year-olds, WWII, Community, Education
Rating as a movie: PG
Songs for the soundtrack: "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift
Books and Authors mentioned: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling, Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏫💼🪛
My thoughts: 📱7% 11:43 [Chapter] 2. Gianna Greco - This opening was completely unrealistic but my son didn't care.
📱11% 36:13 [Chapter] 4. Dexter Foreman - I don't know if it's me or because I'm forced to stop every couple of chapters, but this is interesting but slow.
📱23% 1:18:10 [Chapter] 7. Jackson Sharpe - Not bad; unfortunately, we have to stop in the middle of a roll.
📱1:37:03 [Chapter] 9. Ronny Greco - This isn't bad, but it's not as good as his other school stories; the humor is very dry.
📱45% 2:34:43 [Chapter] 14. Jackson Sharpe - It's better and predictable.
📱57% 3:15:46 [7m into Chapter] 17. Dexter Foreman [9m from Chapter] 18 - Totally saw this coming this is starting to get kind of good.
📱68% 3:52:50 [Chapter] 21. Ms. Napier - I'm still in the 3-star zone (9th period! expelled and suspended are not the same!) but my son is starting to really enjoy it, although he doesn't like Jackson.
📱76% 4:19:48 [Chapter] 24. Gianna Greco - My kid is mad because I didn't want to sit in the car to finish the book, so he might finish it alone. It's definitely heating up.
They got me! It was just okay and what we didn't want to happen occurred but this story grew on us, although it wasn't his best it was one of the better stories. My son said, "It was alright."
Recommend to others: Sure, Korman knows how to write a humorous and meaningful school story.
April 29, 2025
FYI: a Harry Potter reference? In the year 2025??
June 2, 2025
Fun, intriguing concept, and a refreshingly light story, but pretty mediocre writing.
January 21, 2025
A really sweet YA book about a tweenager living in a retirement home. Charming
January 18, 2025
Old School by Gordon Korman is a fish out of water tale about 12 year-old Dexter. He was raised in the Alpine retirement village by his grandmother and her neighbors as well as homeschooled. unfortunately, for Dexter, the government finds out and decides to send him to Wolfey middle school, where he doesn’t fit in with his octagen Erion and Mr. fix it mindset that the other kids only associate with their grandfathers. fortunately for Dexter just like the grandfather‘s the kids through trial and era will come to love him as well. He doesn’t like the school at first and wishes he didn’t have to go, but it isn’t until he gets his wish that he soon learns maybe that’s not what he wanted at all. This is a book I could definitely see becoming a movie. It is so funny and so cute. I love Gina, her troublesome brother egomaniac Jackson and especially the guidance counselor if you have any middle school age children in your life or just love books and that genre you will definitely like this one. I absolutely loved it. I thought I had read books by this author before, but sadly, I don’t think I have but will not pass up ones in the future as well as go back to others in his catalogue. What a great read. #NetGalley, #GordonKorman, #OldSchool,#HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks,
January 12, 2025
Dexter Foreman has spent the last 6 years of his life in his grandmother's retirement village, with his education provided by the residents. Dexter feels so at home at The Pines that he talks, acts, and dresses like an octogenarian. His life is perfect until the truancy officer shows up to tell him he must enroll in the local middle school. Not surprisingly, Dexter is a fish out of water in his new surroundings and longs for his old life full time at The Pines.
4.5 stars for a classic Gordon Korman story. It reminded me of Restart, my favorite Korman book with a bewildered main character who changes as much as those around him. The side characters (a would-be journalist, her brother the bully, a jock, and the guidance counselor) take turns telling the chapters from their points of view -- one of the Greco siblings would have to be my favorite. The half star is for the events that require some movie magic to believe: for one, I don't see middle schoolers deciding to hitch up their pants like old people, no matter how much they like spending time with them.
But yes, it's a clean read that my 5th and 6th graders (and maybe the 7th graders, too) will love -- I've already ordered it for my classroom library as I know my Korman fans will line up to check it out. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC given in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 stars for a classic Gordon Korman story. It reminded me of Restart, my favorite Korman book with a bewildered main character who changes as much as those around him. The side characters (a would-be journalist, her brother the bully, a jock, and the guidance counselor) take turns telling the chapters from their points of view -- one of the Greco siblings would have to be my favorite. The half star is for the events that require some movie magic to believe: for one, I don't see middle schoolers deciding to hitch up their pants like old people, no matter how much they like spending time with them.
But yes, it's a clean read that my 5th and 6th graders (and maybe the 7th graders, too) will love -- I've already ordered it for my classroom library as I know my Korman fans will line up to check it out. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC given in exchange for my honest review.
February 16, 2025
“Along with Grandma Adele, they’re raising me together, even though a retirement community isn’t the average place for a kid to grow up.”
🚌
Dexter Foreman is a kid who acts like an octogenarian because he grew up in a retirement community with his grandmother while his parents work abroad. When the local police find out he’s being homeschooled in an unofficial capacity by all the retirees, he’s forced to go to public school for the first time. Talk about culture shock! Dexter sticks out due to his grandpa wardrobe, the way he talks, his ability to fix just about anything and how far ahead he is in all his subjects. When Dexter is using his Swiss Army Knife to fix things around the broken school, he gets suspended for their zero tolerance policy against weapons in school. As his classmates rally around Dexter he wonders if maybe he likes school more than he thought.
👴🏻
This was such a heartwarming book! I adored Dexter’s personality and love that he learned so much from the older generation. I wish more kids adopted some of the traits Dexter has. The bittersweet ending was perfect for this title and I’d love to see more from middle grade authors utilizing grandparents in a story. Fans of Attack of the Black Rectangles and Let It Glow will enjoy this humorous, yet poignant tale as well.
CW: death, ageism, bullying
🚌
Dexter Foreman is a kid who acts like an octogenarian because he grew up in a retirement community with his grandmother while his parents work abroad. When the local police find out he’s being homeschooled in an unofficial capacity by all the retirees, he’s forced to go to public school for the first time. Talk about culture shock! Dexter sticks out due to his grandpa wardrobe, the way he talks, his ability to fix just about anything and how far ahead he is in all his subjects. When Dexter is using his Swiss Army Knife to fix things around the broken school, he gets suspended for their zero tolerance policy against weapons in school. As his classmates rally around Dexter he wonders if maybe he likes school more than he thought.
👴🏻
This was such a heartwarming book! I adored Dexter’s personality and love that he learned so much from the older generation. I wish more kids adopted some of the traits Dexter has. The bittersweet ending was perfect for this title and I’d love to see more from middle grade authors utilizing grandparents in a story. Fans of Attack of the Black Rectangles and Let It Glow will enjoy this humorous, yet poignant tale as well.
CW: death, ageism, bullying
May 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This is a charming book! It would be particularly great for those who love to root for an underdog or someone who marches to the beat of their own drum.
Twelve year old Dexter has lived half his life in the most unconventional of circumstances: his grandma’s retirement community. You’d sooner find him playing bingo or shuffleboard or hanging out with his 99 year old best friend Leo than scrolling social media or playing video games.
When a truancy officer shows up, requiring him to enroll in the local public middle school, Dexter is crushed. But he reluctantly enrolls. What follows in Dex’s story is delightful and unexpected.
At the climax of the book, there is some cheese and a bit of eye-rolling at the things that take place. But this is more than made up for by the charm of the book, the good humor, and the emphasis on friendship between middle schoolers and older folks.
Twelve year old Dexter has lived half his life in the most unconventional of circumstances: his grandma’s retirement community. You’d sooner find him playing bingo or shuffleboard or hanging out with his 99 year old best friend Leo than scrolling social media or playing video games.
When a truancy officer shows up, requiring him to enroll in the local public middle school, Dexter is crushed. But he reluctantly enrolls. What follows in Dex’s story is delightful and unexpected.
At the climax of the book, there is some cheese and a bit of eye-rolling at the things that take place. But this is more than made up for by the charm of the book, the good humor, and the emphasis on friendship between middle schoolers and older folks.
January 28, 2025
'Meet Dexter Foreman, age 12, newest student at Wolf’s Eye Middle School— and also America’s youngest senior citizen. . . .'
I've worked for years in a retirement community, so I was drawn to this story of Dex, the 12 year old raised in one. His bff is ninety-nine, and he plays bingo instead of video games. When a truancy officer forces him into middle school, a lot of fish-out-of-water humor follows. The story is heartwarming, and Dex is so genuine. I loved his love for his senior friends.
'Along with Grandma Adele, they’re raising me together, even though a retirement community isn’t the average place for a kid to grow up.'
I've worked for years in a retirement community, so I was drawn to this story of Dex, the 12 year old raised in one. His bff is ninety-nine, and he plays bingo instead of video games. When a truancy officer forces him into middle school, a lot of fish-out-of-water humor follows. The story is heartwarming, and Dex is so genuine. I loved his love for his senior friends.
'Along with Grandma Adele, they’re raising me together, even though a retirement community isn’t the average place for a kid to grow up.'
September 19, 2025
I love almost all books by Gordon Korman. They're usually comical, while still getting across a moral or exploring points of view, making you think deeply as you get sucked into the story. This book is, in my opinion, on a lower level compared to other books by Gordon Korman, such as Restart, War Stories, and The Unteachables. It was basic comparatively and very similar to Schooled, one of his other books.
This would not be the first book by Gordon Korman I would recommend, but I still think it was pretty good. Compared to Restart, it was easy to follow. Overall, an okay book.
This would not be the first book by Gordon Korman I would recommend, but I still think it was pretty good. Compared to Restart, it was easy to follow. Overall, an okay book.
May 28, 2025
When you read a lot of kids lit you start to notice trends. Lately I have read several books featuring friendships between older and younger generations. I am really enjoying this particular trend.
January 21, 2025
Too cute! Great book to read with grandparents!!
April 6, 2025
The best middle grade book I have read in years. Unique and refreshing!
April 17, 2025
I love kids books 🤷♀️
May 9, 2025
Read aloud with my 12 year old, rating by him!
August 18, 2025
This was a cute story. I enjoyed the plot and characters. Another hit from Gordon Korman.
August 22, 2025
I supplied
I echoed
I explained
Take a drink every time Gordon Korman avoids "I said" in a new way
I echoed
I explained
Take a drink every time Gordon Korman avoids "I said" in a new way
January 24, 2025
this was surprisingly soooooooo good! i would literally recommend this this anyone, regardless of their age. it’s a heartwarming, funny story about a middle school boy who lives in his grandma’s retirement community and has to attend “real” school for the first time. i loved so many elements—(unexpected) friendships between characters, the countless “geezer” phrases, the multi POV, and much more. i listened to this on audiobook and it had a wonderful cast. read this if you want to have an easy, fun time!
January 27, 2025
Very fun book. I wish it were longer. I liked the characters. There were some good life lessons presented in this book. The ending was expected but it was fun to see how it came about.
February 22, 2025
literal copy and paste of his other book, Schooled
Gordon Korman is losing ideas
Gordon Korman is losing ideas
March 4, 2025
The plot was very interesting and cool!
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