The Unteachables

Gordon KormanFiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-5

Chapters 6-8

Chapters 9-11

Chapters 12-14

Chapters 15-17

Chapters 18-20

Chapters 21-22

Chapters 23-26

Chapters 27-29

Chapters 30-32

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Compare and contrast three students. What landed each in room 117, and why did that trait lead the administration to labeling that student as “unteachable”? Do you agree that these students need some kind of special education plan? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Why do you think Korman chose to tell the story from multiple character viewpoints? What are the pros and cons to telling a story this way? Are there any perspectives you feel are unnecessary? If so, which and why?

The kids’ vuvuzela heist is punished with suspension, but it also deepens the relationship between Mr. Kermit and the class. Do you think the theft was right, wrong, or a mix of both? Can you see the argument for the opposite choice?