Old School by Gordon Korman maintains his signature humor and engaging storytelling. Readers enjoy the relatable characters and themes of friendship and resilience, but some feel the plot lacks depth compared to his previous works. Despite this, the book successfully entertains a younger audience with its lively narrative style and accessible language.

Fans of Old School by Gordon Korman cherish humorous, relatable tales about middle school life. They enjoy the witty adventures of characters facing real-world scenarios. Readers of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants will find delight in Korman’s engaging storytelling and humorous plots.

Old School by Gordon Korman follows students attending a unique school where traditional learning methods collide with modern technology. The story centers on the experiences and challenges faced by the students as they navigate academic life and personal growth. The narrative explores themes of change, resistance, and the balance between old and new educational practices.

Humorous / Heartwarming / Playful / Adventurous / Nostalgic

**Dexter Foreman**  
A resourceful 12-year-old raised in a senior community with a knack for fixing things, who must navigate a new, more challenging social environment when he starts at Wolf’s Eye Middle School.  

**Gianna Greco**  
An aspiring school newspaper reporter who becomes Dexter’s friend, initially driven by a desire for a good story but ultimately values their friendship over ambition.  

**Jackson Sharpe**  
A top student and athlete at Wolf's Eye Middle School who feels threatened by Dexter's abilities and initially acts as an antagonist due to his competitive nature.  

**Ronny Greco**  
A character who starts off as a typical school bully but gradually becomes one of Dexter's allies, demonstrating personal growth through their interactions.  

**Ms. Napier**  
The guidance counselor at Wolf’s Eye Middle School who sympathizes with Dexter's challenges and tries to balance school policies with understanding and support for Dexter.  

**Leo Preminger**  
Dexter’s 99-year-old mentor and best friend from The Pines, a former WWII codebreaker who provides him with an advanced education and a strong bond based on mutual respect.  

**Grandma Adele Foreman**  
Dexter’s guardian at The Pines who provides stability, support, and wisdom, playing a crucial role in facilitating his transition into the middle school environment.  

**Archie**  
A grumpy but well-meaning resident of The Pines, known for his comic relief and old-school toughness, who offers Dexter unconventional advice and life lessons.  

**Teagan Santoro**  
Dexter’s childhood friend, who becomes more image-conscious as a teenager, prompting Dexter to reevaluate his own identity and social place.  

**The Pines Residents**  
The collective, surrogate family for Dexter, providing diverse skills, wisdom, and a nurturing environment that continues to shape Dexter throughout his life.

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Chapters 1-7

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Chapters 16-22

Old School Chapters 16-22

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Chapters 23-30

Old School Chapters 23-30

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