Unplugged - by Gordon Korman

About the Book

Relates, in multiple voices, the adventures of a group of youngsters at an electronics-free wellness camp where wealthy, spoiled Jett, leads other campers in trying to stop a criminal.

Book Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Unteachables, Gordon Korman, comes a hilarious middle grade novel about a group of kids forced to "unplug" at a wellness camp--where they instead find intrigue, adventure, and a whole lot of chaos. Perfect for fans of Korman's Ungifted and the 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 what he wanted. So when his father's private jet drops him in the middle of the Arkansas wilderness, at a place called the Oasis, Jett can't believe it. He's forced to hand over his cell phone, eat grainy veggie patties, and participate in wholesome activities with the other kids, who he has absolutely no interest in hanging out with.

As the weeks go on, Jett starts to get used to the unplugged life and 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.

Jett is determined to get to the bottom of things, but can he convince everybody that he is no longer just a spoiled brat who is making trouble?

Review Quotes

"Korman brings his usual humor and heart to this well-plotted mystery... that sensitively explores themes of friendship and family."

- Publishers Weekly
"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
"This fast-paced, funny friendship story will delight realistic fiction readers and fans of Korman's work." - School Library Journal
"A provocative take on the redemptive power of friends and pets." - ALA Booklist (starred review)
"Korman injects his signature dry humor throughout... Entertaining." - Publishers Weekly
"A fun, low-tech summer adventure." - Kirkus Reviews
"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
"[An] underdog story that champions teamwork, kindness, and hidden sparks."

- 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
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
"This crowd-pleasing school story delivers the straightforward humor and warmth that Korman's many fans expect." - School Library Journal