Jake+Reinvented+by+Gordon+Korman+(review+3)

Gordon Korman. Jake Reinvented. New York, New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2003.
Jake Reinvented by Gordan Korman is a modern adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic, The Great Gatsby. Korman takes the characters and events from Fitzgerald’s novel set in the Roaring ‘20s and transplants them into a modern American high school. Instead of being known for hosting the most extravagant parties of excess at a mansion for rich socialites, Jake hosts the largest weekend beer parties for his high school at his upscale suburban home. Not much is known about Jake other than that he is the coolest kid in school. He bonds with Rick, our narrator, almost immediately, and even Rick doesn't know why. It soon becomes clear that Jake is obsessed with Didi, Rick's close friend Jennifer's best friend. He uses Rick to get DiDi to his parties. Eventually it is revealed that Jake was a huge nerd in his old school. He was Didi's tutor, and fell in love with her, while she would never date him because he was such a geek. Jake reinvents himself for her benefit, and spends the entire book trying to get her to leave her popular football player boyfriend Todd for him. While she cheats on Todd with Jake, she still refuses to break up with him. Meanwhile, Jake's obsession for her keeps growing until finally he takes the blame for a crime she commits. While the ending of Jake Reinvented is not quite as tragic as The Great Gatsby, it is still a shock for anyone unfamiliar with the story.

Being a modern retelling of The Great Gatsby, Jake Reinvented is most beneficial when taught side by side with The Great Gatsby. There are some major plot differences as well as setting differences between the two stories, mainly in the endings. Ask your students why they think Korman decided to change the ending. Which ending do they think works best for the story? Make sure your students know the difference between a book and a story. They may not like Fitzgerald's writing style simply because it is a traditional book read in class, but do they prefer his story to Korman's? Why or why not? Choose some parallel scenes between the two stories (such as the party scenes) and read them side by side. Compare the language and word choice, as well as the situations. Why do you think Korman changed the things he changed, or kept the things he kept? Have your students choose another text they have read in class, and write a modern day version of it the way Korman did in Jake Reinvented. They can share it with the class, and help their classmates understand and relate to the texts a little better. This book has some sexual situations that, while not graphic, make it a little more appropriate for high school classes rather than middle school. It also relies heavily on high school stereotypes. Ask your students how they feel about high schoolers being reduced to such one dimensional stereotypes. Are the characters realistic, do they know anyone like them? Think golden boy jock Todd, shallow self serving DiDi, "it's all about me" Jennifer, meathead Nelson. Was it realistic that the entire school turned on Jake just because he used to be a mathalete?
 * Recommendations for Teachers**

= = Gordon Korman born in Montreal, Quebec began writing at a very young age. He wrote his first book, //This Can't be Happening at Mcdonald// when he was only 12. Later the book was published by Scholastic who went on to publish his next 20 books. Moving into the states he settled down in New York, first in New York City. He began his studies in film and film writing. He also met the girl that would soon be his wife. They now live in Long Island and have 3 children. Up to this point he has written 55 books and is still in contract to write several more.
 * About Gordon Korman**

Korman is primarily a children and young adult author. He is famous for his Bruno and Boots series. Many of his books come in series but he does have a few singles including //Jake, Reinvented//.


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 * Additional Resources:**
 * [|Milkweed: A Teacher's Guide] - Newspaper In Education (NIE) Teacher's Guide to //Milkweed//; Complete with chapter questions, response activities, and additional resources
 * [|Jerry Spinelli Home Page] - Check out the artist's official site where you can contact him directly, check out the FAQs, or find out if he will be coming to your city on a scheduled tour!

--//Reviewed by: Jenn Lackey,//