Gordon Korman Takes Us Back to Middle School

Reg Spittle Leave a comment

Old School is a Gordon Korman masterpiece that will surprise and delight you while delivering a profound appreciation for the elderly.

Dexter Foreman is 12 years old and lives with his grandmother in an old folks community. Home schooled, Dexter has a best friend and favorite teacher who is 99.

This is a kid who wears hand-me-downs from the old guys at the retirement home. He carries the knowledge and wisdom of people several generations his senior, but talks and acts like them too.

What do you think would happen if Dexter is forced to attend public middle school? You may have guessed that bullies would target him from day one. You are correct, but his life and the lives of his fellow students as well as folks at the retirement home take turns that may keep you reading beyond your normal bedtime.

This is a heartwarming, funny story that, like other books by Gordon Korman, caused me to want more—more of this author’s gift.

If it leaves you wanting more, there is good news. Try Korman’s The Unteachables for starters.

Fort Bragg: A Moment to Say Thanks

Reg Spittle Leave a comment

After selling our Ashland, Oregon home two months ago, Sue and I vowed to remain focused on the moment and make the most of our freedom.

We came to Fort Bragg, California, planning to stay a few days. The weather, charming town, spectacular trails, combined with fun times with old and new friends, have stretched our stay to three weeks.

Four state parks, practically within shouting distance of our camp at Pomo Campground, offer trails that took us to coastline scenes that exploded in beauty and to redwood giants that displayed their rugged beauty.

And my friend Bob, whom I met 10 years ago through an Ashland area bicycling club, invited me to join his biking group here. (Fort Bragg is his primary home.) Friendly members of the Seniors on Bikes (SOBs) welcomed me on several rides on the bike path along the coast to MacKerricher State Park.

We felt part of the community during our stay, taking part on the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, a fund-raiser for the local food bank and high school track and field team.

Now we say so long to Fort Bragg. Thanks for the memorable times. And for so many great moments.