Old School

By: Gordon Korman

Narrated by: Rosemary Benson, Fred Berman, Michael Crouch, Vyvy Nguyen, Mark Sanderlin, Katie Anvil Rich

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Unteachables comes a hilarious story about a boy who is homeschooled in his grandmother’s retirement community…until he is forced to go to public school.

Dexter Foreman is twelve going on eighty. He has lived at The Pines retirement village with his grandmother since he was six years old, and as a result he gets along better with senior citizens than kids his own age. He's homeschooled by the residents up until the day the county’s truancy officer shows up and announces that Dex has to go to a “real” school, to the local middle school.

At school, Dex sticks out like a sore thumb. He dresses like a grandpa (and can be just as cranky). His taste in movies and music is decades out of date. Only a few students—like Gianna Greco, a reporter at the school’s newspaper—find him intriguing. For most, he is either a weirdo or a target.

Dexter would do anything to return to his old life at The Pines. But when his wish finally seems to be coming true, his old and new worlds collide in a way that surprises everyone—Dexter most of all.

What a hilarious heartfelt story

This is my first Gordon Korman book. I’ve been reading books and masses due to me wanting to upgrade my classroom library and my read aloud. This is definitely my favorite breed of 2025 when it comes to middle grade books. This was hilarious. It was told from multiple perspectives. Most characters are extremely likable and you can’t help but relate to Dexter as he navigates middle school for the first time. On the flipside, you can’t help but think of your grandparents as Dexter, who has been raised any retirement home basically acts like a grandparent. I love this book and I not only recommended this for kids, but I recommend it for teachers as well.

Twists and turns everywhere!

I loved this book because of the twists and turns also happy parts and the sad. I disliked is that the chapters have no headlines.

this e was a heart warming book that was crafted buitifully

I loved the way it switched between the characters to give different protectives. It was a little sad but in a good way and will listen to it again.

Loved it

I loved every second of it❤️❤️❤️ definitely recommend this book hope you enjoy it too as much as I did

Beautiful story joining generations!

Gordon Korean does it again. Combining the awkwardness of middle school and the challenges of growing old, he compassionately introduces them to each other in a clever twist which leaves you feeling equal parts warmed and amused. It’s a great joining of the denerations!

This took a little piece of my heart.

What a wonderful, witty, and poignant read. I cannot say enough about how much you will enjoy this listen. Korman captures middle schoolers perfectly, as always, and you will be rooting for Dex and his friends. I want to live at The Pines!

Gordon Korman is the best at writing Middle School books

Gordon Korman does not disappoint! I have lost track how many of his books I have read, but yet again, this is a great book. I think this is such a good middle school book. What a different way of a "coming of age" story. I though it was absolutely cute and can only imagine how middle schoolers and senior citizens can get along so well and learn from each other. More so, how the middle schoolers gain so much insight from the seniors. I don't have enough good things to say about this book. I highly recommend it, especially to the middle school age.

korman is perfection

Every story is unique and fabulous. His adult books, his teen books… all perfection. He’s so creative and fun!

A very good book.

My nine year old granddaughter said we like everything. 👍 👌 👍 👌 it was so good.

Middle School Masterpiece

Gordon Korman has been a master storyteller for years, but he outdid even himself with this beautiful book. It should be on the school list of required reading for 4-7 graders. It is his best work yet. I am a 70 year old geezer, :) a retired children’s librarian. I hope Gordon Korman knows he authored a masterpiece. “No charge”.