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Restart
296 pages
A heartfelt, multi-perspective exploration of whether we are defined by our past mistakes or the choices we make today.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like walking into a bustling middle school cafeteria, where every glance holds a secret history and social dynamics are a matter of survival. The narrative moves at a brisk, engaging clip, propelled by alternating perspectives that slowly piece together a fractured reputation. It balances the heavy, uncomfortable reality of bullying with a deeply earnest and hopeful tone, allowing the reader to sit in the messy discomfort of guilt and the tentative warmth of second chances. The prose is highly accessible and conversational, capturing the authentic voices of kids trying to figure out who they want to be. It is a deeply empathetic, uplifting read that will delight anyone who loves character-driven stories about redemption, identity, and the courage it takes to change.
- Mood
- hopeful
- socially tense
- uplifting
- Tone
- earnest
- humorous
- empathetic
- reflective
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- second chances · identity and reputation · ripple effects of bullying · redemption · peer pressure
- The writing
- Accessible and conversational, utilizing distinct, alternating middle-school voices to build a 360-degree view of the narrative.
- The arc
- Moves from disorienting confusion and lingering guilt to a hard-won sense of authentic belonging and self-forgiveness.
- Who it's for
- Middle-grade readers who crave character-driven school stories that balance genuine emotional stakes with lighthearted humor.
Content notes
- bullying
- mild physical injury
About the book
Chase Ambrose, an 8th grade bully has the chance to restart his life after a great, big fall that made him lose his memory.As he tries to rebuild his life he finds out about all the horrible things he has done and does not like that version of himself so he decides to make a change.But others cannot trust his new life.Will Chase be able to gain trust from others or will he never be forgiven?
Description from Open Library.
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