Release: January 5th, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Source: Amazon
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N.
__
__
From New York Times, bestselling author Gordon Korman comes a hilarious middle-grade novel about a group of kids forced to “unplug” at a wellness camp. Instead, they find intrigue, adventure, and a whole lot of chaos. Perfect for fans of Korman’s The Untouchables and Masterminds series, as well as Carl Hiaasen’s eco mysteries.
As the son of the world’s most famous tech billionaire, spoiled Jett Baranov has always gotten all his wishes. So when his father’s private jet drops him in the middle of a place called the Oasis, Jett can’t believe it. He has no choice but to hand over his cell phone and eat grainy veggie patties. He also participates in wholesome activities with the other kids he has absolutely no interest in hanging out with.
As the weeks go on, Jett starts to get used to the unplugged life. He even bonds with the other kids over their discovery of a baby-lizard-turned-pet, Needles. But he can’t help noticing that the adults at the Oasis are acting really strange. Could it be all those suspicious “meditation” sessions?
Jetthowever has the determination to get to the bottom of things. But can he convince the other kids that he is no longer just a spoiled brat making trouble?
About the Author:
Gordon Korman published his first book at age fourteen and has written more than ninety middle grade and teen novels.
Favorites include the New York Times bestselling Ungifted, Supergifted, The Unteachable, Pop, Schooled, and the Masterminds series.
Gordon lives with his family on Long Island, New York. You can visit him online at www.gordonkorman.com.
Unplugged Review:
I enjoyed setting “Unplugged,” where the kids of different personalities have to spend time in an isolated camp.
There is never a dull moment with a large cast on the canvas. The author keeps the writing fresh by changing the perspective of the characters as the story progresses. Frankly, I loved Jett. I loved his transition from being a spoiled rich kid to someone who starts to care. There are some moments that I laughed out loud. For instance, the way he purchases the fireworks and tells Tyrell about it. Speaking of which, Tyrell and Brooklynne were memorable, too, with Sarah and Magnus’s own storylines. Even Needles is adorable! However, I could not stand Grace. She was annoying throughout the story and came off as though she was better than everyone.
Apart from the characters, the author also spins the tale creatively. When I started reading this story, I never thought it would contain hypnosis, alligator farms, a mysterious person in a mansion, and candy blackmails. I particularly enjoyed the hypnosis angle and how Jett tangles himself in it. The storyline is zany and unpredictable, yet it works very nicely and brings the characters closer.
Overall, “Unplugged” is a light-hearted, fun middle-grade novel, perfect for a summer read.
