Whatshisface

Gordon Korman
56 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2018

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Book Brief

Gordon Korman

Whatshisface

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Children`s Literature

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Realistic Fiction
Setting

Utah • Contemporary

Theme
Loneliness

•

Coming of Age

•

Friendship
First Publication Year

2018

Publisher

Scholastic

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

770L

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Super Short Summary

In Gordon Korman's Whatshisface, 12-year-old Cooper Vega, frequently bullied and often addressed as "Whatshisface," moves to a new school and discovers his glitchy phone is haunted by Roddy, a 13-year-old ghost from 1596. Together, they uncover secrets about Shakespeare and his play Romeo and Juliet, while Roddy helps Cooper stand up to bullies and navigate middle school. This book depicts bullying and insensitive remarks about mental health.

Humorous

Mysterious

Fantastical

Adventurous

Playful

Reviews & Readership

4.2

3,600 ratings

75%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Whatshisface by Gordon Korman receives mixed reviews. Readers appreciate the humorous and engaging narrative, as well as the relatable middle school drama. However, some critics feel that the plot can be predictable and that character development is sometimes lacking. Overall, it's seen as a fun and light-hearted read suitable for its target audience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Whatshisface?

Readers who enjoy Whatshisface by Gordon Korman are typically middle-grade students aged 8-12 who like humorous, contemporary stories with a touch of historical adventure. It's perfect for fans of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and Lemony Snicket's The Bad Beginning, offering a blend of wit, relatable characters, and captivating plots.

4.2

3,600 ratings

75%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

A 12-year-old boy and the protagonist, known for being the "new kid" due to his father's army job, who gradually learns to assert himself and find belonging through his friendship with Roddy.

A historical character who connects with Cooper, advising and guiding him, while seeking recognition for his playwrighting talents from beyond the grave.

A confident and independent peer to Cooper, known for her interest in extreme sports and strong sense of self, who serves as a romantic interest in the story.

A flat, static bully who antagonizes Cooper with taunts and physical attacks, often acting immaturely and seeking attention.

A wealthy and somewhat mysterious character known for his deep interest in Shakespeare, exerting influence in the town and affecting key narrative developments.

Cooper's 16-year-old sister who adapts quickly to new environments, providing a contrast to Cooper's struggles and remaining perceptive about his unusual behavior.

A legendary playwright, symbolized in the story through Roddy's perspective as both a historical figure and a literary giant whose reputation is humorously questioned.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Children`s Literature

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Realistic Fiction
Setting

Utah • Contemporary

Theme
Loneliness

•

Coming of Age

•

Friendship
First Publication Year

2018

Publisher

Scholastic

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

770L

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