Operation Do-Over - by Gordon Korman

About the Book

"Mason and Ty were once the very best of friends, like two nerdy sides of the same coin--until seventh grade, when Ava Petrakis came along. Now Mason can trace everything bad in his life to that terrible fight they had over the new girl. The one thing he'd give anything for is a do-over ... As a science kid, Mason knows do-overs are impossible, so he can't believe it when he wakes up from a freak accident and finds himself magically transported back to seventh grade"--Dust jacket flap.

Book Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Unteachables, Gordon Korman, comes a hilarious new high-concept friendship story in the vein of Back to the Future. Perfect for fans of Korman's Restart.

Mason and Ty were once the very best of friends, like two nerdy sides of the same coin . . . until seventh grade, when Ava Petrakis came along. Now Mason can trace everything bad in his life to that terrible fight they had over the new girl. The one thing he'd give anything for is a do-over. But that can't happen in real life--can it?

As a science kid, Mason knows do-overs are impossible, so he can't believe it when he wakes up from a freak accident and finds himself magically transported back to seventh grade. His parents aren't yet divorced and his beloved sheepdog is still alive. Best of all, he and Ty haven't had their falling-out yet.

It makes no logical sense, but Mason is determined to use this second chance to not only save his friendship (and his dog!) but do other things differently--like trying out for the football team and giving new friends a chance. There's just one person he'll be avoiding at all costs: Ava. But despite his best efforts, will he be able to stop the chain of events that made his previous life implode?

Review Quotes

"Watching Mason learn from mistakes and explore new aspects of himself (especially with a 17-year-old consciousness trapped in a preteen body) is vicariously satisfying, and the sheer fascination of his predicament will keep readers turning pages, anxious to find out if he succeeds." - Kirkus Reviews
"Korman brings smart plotting to an absorbing time travel narrative that examines the long-term impact of actions....Given [the] opportunity for a do-over, [Mason] seeks to right wrongs as well as try new things, leading to a climax in which both he and readers see what, if anything, has changed. Full of warmth and middle-grade humor." - Publishers Weekly
"Korman's signature blend of comedy, drama, and middle grade angst will leave readers with a warm fuzzy feeling." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"A rewarding time-slip story." - Booklist
"Just plain fun from start to finish, this story will appeal to Korman's many fans and others who enjoy humorous fiction." - School Library Journal
"Korman sketches characters with swift, sure strokes and places them in a distinctive setting... this a book that Korman fans won't want to miss." - ALA Booklist
"The fast-moving, action-packed plot makes this a great choice for reluctant -readers... A diverting read full of suspense and historical intrigue." - School Library Journal
"Another treat for Korman fans." - Kirkus Reviews
Praise for THE UNTEACHABLES: "Korman infuses such humanity into this tightly controlled ensemble piece and so deftly skewers school politics and classroom management eccentricities that middle-schoolers will recognize and appreciate both the absurdities and the frustrations." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"[An] underdog story that champions teamwork, kindness, and hidden sparks." - Publishers Weekly
"This crowd-pleasing school story delivers the straightforward humor and warmth that Korman's many fans expect." - School Library Journal
Praise for UNPLUGGED: "A provocative take on the redemptive power of friends and pets." - ALA Booklist (starred review)
"This fast-paced, funny friendship story will delight realistic fiction readers and fans of Korman's work." - School Library Journal
"A fun, low-tech summer adventure." - Kirkus Reviews
"Korman injects his signature dry humor throughout... Entertaining." - Publishers Weekly
Praise for NOTORIOUS: "Korman is reliably at the head of the pack in middle-grade quirkiness, and his fans will be well pleased with this fresh title." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Korman brings his usual humor and heart to this well-plotted mystery... that sensitively explores themes of friendship and family." - Publishers Weekly