In this Restart Book Summary, we’ll dive into the key themes, characters, and lessons from this engaging middle-grade novel. Whether you’re a fan of Gordon Korman or just looking for your next great read, this review will help you decide if Restart is worth adding to your reading list. What if you got a fresh start in life with no memory of your past mistakes? Restart by Gordon Korman is a thought-provoking novel that explores this idea through the story of Chase Ambrose. After a head injury wipes out his memory, Chase must navigate friendships, bullies, and his own past to discover who he truly is.
Book Details
- Title: Restart
- Author: Gordon Korman
- Genre: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction
- Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
- Publication Date: May 30, 2017
- Pages: 256
- ISBN-13: 978-1-338-05380-7
- Language: English
- Age Range: 8 – 12 years
- Lexile Measure: 730L
- Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
Restart is a New York Times bestseller that tells the story of Chase Ambrose, a boy who loses his memory after a fall and gets a chance to rebuild his life. As he navigates middle school with no recollection of his past, Chase discovers the impact he had on others and contemplates who he wants to become. This compelling narrative explores themes of identity, redemption, and the power of second chances.
Characters
- Chase Ambrose – The main character who loses his memory after falling off a roof. He struggles to understand who he was before and who he wants to be now.
- Brendan Espinoza – A geeky student and member of the video club who was once a victim of Chase’s bullying but later becomes his friend.
- Shoshanna Weber – A strong-willed girl who despises Chase for how he treated her brother in the past but later sees his change.
- Joel Weber – Shoshanna’s brother, who was bullied by Chase and had to move to a different school for safety.
- Aaron Hakimian & Bear Bratsky – Chase’s old best friends and partners in bullying. They pressure him to return to his old ways.
- Chase’s Parents – His dad, who was once proud of Chase’s tough attitude, and his mom, who wants him to be a better person.
Themes
- Second Chances – The book explores how people can change if given a fresh start. Chase must decide whether to follow his old path or become a better version of himself.
- Bullying and Its Impact – The story highlights the deep effects of bullying on victims and how it can shape people’s lives.
- Identity and Self-Discovery – Chase’s amnesia forces him to question who he really is, separate from his past actions.
- Friendship and Forgiveness – The novel shows how true friendships are built on trust and how forgiveness can be difficult but powerful.
- The Power of Choices – Chase learns that our past does not define us, and we can choose the kind of person we want to be.
Restart Book Summary
Chase Ambrose is the kind of kid everyone knows—but not for good reasons. He was the school’s biggest bully, feared by many and admired by the wrong crowd. But when he falls off a roof and wakes up with amnesia, everything changes. Chase has no memory of who he is, what he has done, or the reputation he once had. As he returns to school, he sees himself through the eyes of others—some terrified of him, some resentful, and a few expecting him to pick up right where he left off. But Chase doesn’t feel like the person they describe. He doesn’t understand why he ever acted that way, and now he has a choice: does he go back to being the old Chase, or does he use this rare second chance to become someone better?
As he navigates his new life, Chase starts to see the damage he caused before his accident. He bullied kids like Joel Weber so badly that Joel had to leave school, and his twin sister Shoshanna refuses to believe Chase has truly changed. However, Chase begins forming new friendships, especially with the video club students he once tormented. He finds himself drawn to their world, enjoying filmmaking and teamwork in ways that surprise even him. At the same time, his old friends, Aaron and Bear, try to pull him back into their cruel ways, expecting him to regain his past self.
The more Chase learns about his past, the more guilt he feels. He realizes he wasn’t just a troublemaker—he was truly mean. As memories slowly return, he is forced to confront who he used to be. The biggest test comes when Aaron and Bear get caught stealing from a senior citizen they used to pick on. Chase now faces a tough decision: stay loyal to his past or stand up for what’s right. In the end, he makes the brave choice, proving to everyone—including himself—that he has changed.
By the end of the story, Chase may not have all his memories back, but he knows one thing for sure: he doesn’t want to be the person he used to be. Restart is a powerful story about second chances, redemption, and how the choices we make define who we truly are.
Restart Book Review
Gordon Korman’s Restart is a refreshing and thought-provoking novel that tackles themes of identity, redemption, and personal growth in a way that feels both engaging and relatable. The story follows Chase Ambrose, a middle school bully who loses his memory after an accident. As he navigates his second chance at life, he must confront the consequences of his past and decide whether to change or fall back into old habits. The premise itself is unique and immediately grabs the reader’s attention, making this book a page-turner from the start.
One of the strongest aspects of Restart is its character development. Chase is a well-written protagonist, and his transformation feels natural rather than forced. The way he slowly pieces together his past, while forming new friendships and struggling with guilt, makes his journey feel real and compelling. The supporting characters, like Brendan, Shoshanna, and Joel, add depth to the story, showing different perspectives on bullying and forgiveness. Even the antagonists, Aaron and Bear, are not just one-dimensional villains but represent the pressures of peer influence and the difficulty of change.
The writing is simple yet effective, making it accessible to middle-grade readers without feeling too juvenile for older audiences. Korman does a great job balancing humor and serious moments, ensuring the book remains engaging while delivering an important message. The multiple points of view allow readers to see how different characters perceive Chase, adding layers to the story. However, some parts of the plot feel predictable, and certain conflicts resolve a bit too neatly. While this doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment, a bit more complexity in the resolution could have made the book even stronger.
Despite these minor flaws, Restart is a meaningful and enjoyable read. It delivers a powerful message about change, second chances, and the impact of our actions on others. It’s a great book for young readers, parents, and teachers looking for a story that sparks discussions about bullying and personal growth. Whether you’re a fan of Gordon Korman’s work or just looking for an inspiring read, Restart is definitely worth picking up.
Discussion Questions
- How does Chase’s amnesia affect the way people see him?
- Do you think Chase would have changed if he hadn’t lost his memory? Why or why not?
- How does Shoshanna’s attitude toward Chase change throughout the book?
- What role does peer pressure play in Chase’s decision-making?
- Do you believe people deserve second chances, even after hurting others? Why?
Key Quotes
- “Every time I look in the mirror, I don’t see a kid who fell off a roof. I see a kid who fell off his life.” – Chase Ambrose
- “People say a lot of things when they think they’re never going to see you again.” – Shoshanna Weber
- “Maybe coming back isn’t just about correcting the mistakes of the past. Maybe it’s about forming new relationships and creating a better future.” – Brendan Espinoza
Final Thoughts
Restart is a powerful story that reminds us of the importance of kindness, self-awareness, and personal growth. It encourages readers to reflect on their own actions and how they treat others. Whether you’re reading this for school or personal enjoyment, the book leaves an important message: we always have the power to change for the better.
What is the main problem in the book Restart?
The main problem in Restart is that Chase Ambrose loses his memory after an accident and must figure out who he really is—whether to stay the bully he was before or become a better person.
What are the main events in the book Restart?
Chase Ambrose wakes up in a hospital with no memory of who he is or what happened to him. As he returns to school, he slowly realizes that he was a bully before his accident, and many students fear or dislike him. However, he starts forming new friendships with members of the video club, including Brendan and Shoshanna, whose brother he used to torment. Meanwhile, his old friends, Aaron and Bear, pressure him to return to his past ways, but Chase feels conflicted as he begins to remember bits of his past. When Aaron and Bear steal from a senior citizen, Chase is faced with a tough decision—stay loyal to his old friends or do what he knows is right. In the end, he chooses to stand up against them, proving that he has truly changed and earning the trust of those he once hurt.
What is the message of the book Restart?
The message of Restart is that people have the power to change and become better, no matter their past mistakes. It teaches that our choices define who we are, not who we used to be. The book also highlights the importance of kindness, second chances, and taking responsibility for our actions.
What is the ending of Restart?
At the end of Restart, Chase stands up against his old friends, Aaron and Bear, when they get caught stealing. This proves he has truly changed. While some people still struggle to trust him, he earns back respect and embraces his second chance to be a better person.
Does Restart have romance?
No, Restart does not have romance. The story focuses on themes of identity, second chances, and personal growth rather than romantic relationships.
