Gordon Korman at a Glance

Full Name: Gordon Korman

Pronunciation: GOR-duhn KOR-muhn

Born: October 23, 1963

Nationality: Canada, United States

Education:

• New York University (BFA)

Genres:

• Middle grade fiction
• Humor
• Historical fiction
• Adventure
• Mystery

Biography & Background

Gordon Korman Biography

Gordon Korman is the best-selling author of over 100 books for young readers. Korman spent his early childhood in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, before moving to Thornhill, Ontario, in 1970, when he was seven. He later moved to the US to attend New York University, where he received a BFA in 1985.

Korman’s career in writing and publishing began when he was just 12 years old. His track and field coach was assigned to cover an English class. He allowed the students to spend the time writing whatever they chose, and Korman used this unstructured writing time to write his first novel, This Can’t Be Happening at MacDonald Hall. The novel was published by Scholastic Books when Korman was a high school freshman. Before finishing high school, he had written and published five books.

Korman continued to write and publish books for young readers while at college, and writing has been his career ever since. To date, he has published 105 books that collectively have sold over 35 million copies worldwide. His book Swindle was adapted as a movie that aired on Nickelodeon in 2013. Three books in the MacDonald Hall series were adapted as a miniseries that aired on Canadian network YTV in 2016. He lives in Long Island, New York, with his wife and family, and spends much of his time touring to promote his books and meet his readers.

Fun Facts About Gordon Korman

• Korman’s mother typed his early manuscripts for him since he had not yet learned to type.
• Though his first book was published when he was just 14, the book took a year and a half between acquisition and publication—a very long time from a child’s perspective—and Korman remembers struggling to deal with the anticipation.

Gordon Korman’s Awards & Honors

• 2003 — ALA Best Books for Young Adults (Jake Reinvented)
• 2002 — PNLA Young Readers’ Choice Award (Son of the Mob)
• 2007 — PNLA Young Readers’ Choice Award (Schooled)
• 2016 — Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature

Interviews & Podcasts

Hear from Gordon Korman in his own words.

Interviews with Gordon Korman

_{INDY WEEK}

Trying to Keep up with Prolific Children’s Book Author Gordon Korman (February 9, 2015)

Korman talks about his decades-long career and the challenge of writing over 100 books for young readers. This interview gives fans a broad view of his writing evolution and enduring connection to middle grade audiences.

_{CBC RADIO}

Author Gordon Korman on How The Power of Humour Can Help us Tell Serious Stories (June 29, 2022)

In this interview, Korman discusses how humor is not just a vehicle for laughter but also a powerful tool for approaching difficult subjects in children’s literature. A great listen for educators and aspiring writers.

Podcasts with Gordon Korman

_{THE YARN}

#159: Gordon Korman (February 27, 2022)

Korman joined The Yarn podcast to talk about his 2021 book Linked, the importance of writing for kids on their level, and how his early publishing experience shaped his career. This episode offers a reflective look at storytelling and youth connection.

Gordon Korman Quotes

I wish I could time-travel back to my seventh-grade English class and whisper in the ear of 12-year-old me—working on book one—that one day we’d be publishing book 100.

— interview with Mackin Community (Gordon Korman: Time-Traveling with a Middle Grade Favorite, 2022)

The dog always dies. Go to the library and pick out a book with an award sticker and a dog on the cover. Trust me, that dog is going down.

— No More Dead Dogs (2000)

I know 13-year-olds who’ve already forgotten how it feels to be 12, but some people never lose that connection to being a kid.

— interview with Mackin Community (Gordon Korman: Time-Traveling with a Middle Grade Favorite, 2022)

Ninth-grade Gordon might remind me not to lose my joy in a really cool twist, a great scene or a hilarious one-liner. I can’t ever forget that the writer I was then is much closer to the age of my readers than the writer I am now.

— interview with Mackin Community (Gordon Korman: Time-Traveling with a Middle Grade Favorite, 2022)

Notable Books by Gordon Korman

Restart (2017)

Middle schooler Chase Ambrose loses his memory after a fall and returns to school with no recollection of his past—including his reputation as a bully. As Chase pieces together who he was and who he wants to become, he grapples with questions of identity, forgiveness, and second chances. With humor and heart, Restart encourages readers to consider the power of empathy, friendship, and the courage to rewrite one’s story.

Explore the full breakdown with SuperSummary’s study guide.

The Unteachables (2019)

A burned-out teacher is assigned to a group of so-called problem students—and both sides wind up surprising each other. This humorous, heartfelt novel challenges labels and stereotypes, celebrating second chances and unexpected learning.

Ready to dig in? Check out SuperSummary’s study guide.

Unplugged (2021)

In this middle grade comedy, a tech-addicted boy is sent to a wellness camp with no devices. There, he uncovers a mystery that changes everything. A sharp commentary on screen time and social dynamics, the book adds a playful twist to Korman’s usual mix of humor and heart.

Dive right in with SuperSummary’s study guide.

Authors Like Gordon Korman

Louis Sachar

Recommended Read: Holes (1998)

This classic novel follows a boy sent to a juvenile detention center where digging holes is the daily punishment—and possibly a cover-up for something deeper. Like Korman, Sachar blends humor with serious themes like fate, free will, and friendship in a way that captivates middle grade readers.

Uncover more with SuperSummary’s study guide.

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Recommended Read: The War That Saved My Life (2015)

This historical novel follows Ada, a young girl who escapes abuse in London during World War II and finds unexpected freedom in the countryside. Like Korman’s work, the book centers on underdog resilience and personal growth through adversity.

Want to learn more? Dive into SuperSummary’s study guide.

Kelly Yang

Recommended Read: Front Desk (2018)

Yang’s debut features Mia Tang, a Chinese American girl who helps her immigrant parents run a motel. Both heartwarming and socially aware, the novel—like Korman’s work—balances comedy, empathy, and kid empowerment.

Explore the full breakdown with SuperSummary’s study guide.

Follow Gordon Korman

Connect with Gordon Korman on the following platforms:

• Website: gordonkorman.com
• Facebook: Gordon Korman
• Instagram: @gordonkorman
• X: @gordonkorman