Gordon Korman

Unplugged

Sarah Sammis

Privileged	Rural	Offroad	003366

Needles is also the impetus that gives Unplugged a Carl Hiaasen feel. Think Hoot (2002) or Flush (2005). In caring for Needles, the kids become aware of a larger mystery. Ultimately it was the mystery that won me over.

http://pussreboots.com/blog/2021/comm...

Kim Tyo-Dickerson

Digital Review Copy provided by Edelweiss+ and Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins publishers.

Unplugged is a great middle grade summer romp full of pranks gone wrong, forbidden technology, snarky humor and multiple mysteries that new and old fans of Gordon Korman's books will love. 

When Jett Baranov finds himself landing in rural Arkansas at the Oasis of Mind and Body Wellness camp, he is forced to hand over all his devices and prepare for six weeks of enjoying vegetarian cuisine, soaking in boiling hot springs, meditating in a group, and unplugging for the duration. Jett can't believe it. Sure his last stunt involving a drone and Air Force airspace was perhaps ill-advised, but what's the big deal? His dad, Vladimir Baranov, the most famous tech billionaire in the world, has always cleaned up his messes before. Jett thinks he will find a quick way to get kicked out of the camp and be back on his family's private jet with all his devices back in his pockets. But it isn't as easy as it looks.

The other kids at the camp are mostly unimpressed with Jett's wealth and attitude. Grace comes to Oasis every summer and is devoted to the rest and relaxation built into the program. Tyrell for the most part follows Grace's lead every summer and is beset by multiple allergies and rashes while his parents focus on their plans for weight loss. Brooklynne skirts the edges of the camp barely participating and spending most of her time alone and watching everyone else. Jett's mouth and antics get on everyone's nerves and he is close to blowing the whole vibe of the camp until one day things change when Grace finds a small lizard near the hot springs. One by one, Jett, Tyrell and Brooklynne are brought into the secret of taking care of little Needles, named after the tiny teeth that he uses to clamp down on their fingers, and become unlikely friends while hiding their secret pet. 

While enjoying taking care of Needles and managing some secret trips to a local village for contraband candy bars, raw ground beef for Needles and fried chicken dinners, Jett is stunned to realize that he actually has friends. He actually loves Needles. And with his newfound connection to the others, tries to make them notice how weird the adults at the Oasis act, especially after private meditation sessions with the camp's meditation guru Ivory. Jett isn't being a jerk this time, but it's hard to change his reputation. Things get messy. And he still can't stop wondering why a massive mansion full of swanky decor and sports cars is doing in the middle of the woods not far from the camp? Jett has to reckon with his history of making trouble and fabrication when no one believes his warnings that something isn't right at the Oasis. Will his new friends believe him when he finds proof or will his reputation as an unreliable trouble-maker put them all in danger?

Recommended for Realistic Fiction, Humor, and Mystery fans grades 5 and up.

Unplugged

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