Whatshisface by Gordon Korman - OPTIONAL

Whatshisface by Gordon Korman, 231 pages, Scholastic Press (Scholastic), 2018. $17.

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Because his dad is in the military, Cooper Vega has moved around a lot.  It happens so often, he is resigned to being known as Whatshisface. To make him feel better about his last move to a Shakespeare crazed town named Stratford, his parents buy him a top of the line smart phone.  His phone inadvertently picks up the ghost of a teenager from Shakespeare’s time.  The ghost has some issues with Shakespeare and Cooper finds himself helping the ghost, while holding down a bit part in the annual Shakespeare play that all seventh graders are required to participate in. In return, the ghost tries to help Cooper navigate his affections for Jolie, who is playing the part of Juliet. 

It is fun to see a present day middle school through the eyes of an Elizabethan teen ghost.  The characters are likeable and Roddy’s ghost will have you throwing in a dash of Shakespearean methinks, forsooth, and zounds, into your speech.  The plot is a bit far-fetched, but the humor makes it readable.  

Michelle in the Middle, Teacher