The middle school years are a time of becoming for every young person. Almost invariably, middle school kids are dissatisfied with who they are and yearn to become different. They wish to be older, taller, prettier, more sophisticated, or more popular. One irony of Restart is Korman’s demonstration that these young people who are changing so drastically and rapidly have, in a real sense, already arrived. That is, they are all distinct, fairly predictable, and set in their opinions and relationships.

Because people at this age live in fear of the judgment of their peers, making intentional change is difficult. Korman captures the essence of this struggle when he describes Chase’s trials in the Hiawassee lunchroom, where his freedom is greatly restricted. His video club friends distrust him when he sits with the football players, but the football players mock him when he sits with the video club. Committing to a significant change in middle school is a deliberate act of bravery.

Chase is emblematic of the person who is capable of change because he has no past. The joy of befriending Brendan and joining in his antics is a pleasure that leads him in the direction of positive growth and development.