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Archivist's Choice

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Gordon Korman (2017)

Genre

Children's / Young Adult

Reading Time

240 min

Key Themes

See below

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After a dramatic fall leaves him with amnesia, a notorious bully must navigate his old life with new eyes, piecing together his forgotten past while deciding what kind of person he wants to be now.

Synopsis

Chase Ambrose, a known bully, falls off a roof and gets amnesia, losing all memory of his past. When he returns to Hiawassee Middle School, he finds himself a blank slate, encountering different reactions from his peers: some fear him, some resent him, and some are kind. Unaware of his former reputation as a star football player and a tormentor, Chase joins the video club and makes new friends, including outcast Brendan Espinoza and Mr. Solway, an elderly Korean War veteran. As he puts together pieces of his past through others' stories and his own unsettling discoveries, Chase thinks about the person he used to be. The main problem starts when Mr. Solway's Medal of Honor goes missing, and Chase's former friends, Aaron and Bear, are thought to be involved, with signs pointing to Chase. Chase must face his past actions, stand up to his old friends, and show his changed character, which leads to a trial where he is found not guilty, having shown real regret and a wish to be a better person, embracing his new start.
Reading time
240 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Thought-provoking, Hopeful, Reflective, Engaging
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy stories about redemption, second chances, and the power of memory (or lack thereof) to reshape identity. Great for readers who like moral dilemmas and character growth.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer fantasy or sci-fi over realistic fiction, or if you dislike stories centered around bullying and its consequences.

Plot Summary

The Fall and the Blank Slate

Chase Ambrose, a football star and school bully, wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of who he is. His parents, Frank and Corinne, and his younger half-sister, Helene, are there, but he does not recognize them. He learns he fell off his roof and got a severe concussion. Doctors explain his amnesia, and he struggles to understand his lost identity. At home, he feels like a stranger, noticing his father's disappointment and his mother's protective nature. He also sees a trophy case with his athletic awards, hinting at a past self he cannot recall.

Returning to Hiawassee Middle School

Chase returns to Hiawassee Middle School, a place he does not remember. He is immediately struck by how differently students react to him. Some, like his old football teammates Aaron Hakimian and Bear Bratsky, greet him like a hero. Others, like Joel Weber, visibly shrink in fear. A girl named Shoshanna Weber, Joel's twin sister, is openly hostile, pouring frozen yogurt on his head. Chase is confused by these reactions, having no idea why he is either admired or hated. He starts to understand his former reputation through these interactions, realizing his past self was not universally liked.

Joining the Video Club

Instead of rejoining the football team, Chase is drawn to the video club, an activity his former self would have mocked. He meets Brendan Espinoza, the club's president, who is wary but soon welcomes Chase's help with filming. Chase finds he is good at camerawork and enjoys creating things. He starts working with Brendan on a YouTube video, 'How to Pee Standing Up,' which becomes popular. This new involvement gives him purpose and a sense of belonging, separate from his old identity. He also meets Kimmy, another video club member, and starts making real friends who knew nothing of his past bullying.

The Darker Side of His Past

As Chase continues at school, some memories begin to come back. He remembers bits of his past, often showing him, Aaron, and Bear bothering other students. He learns from Shoshanna and Brendan that he, Aaron, and Bear bullied Joel Weber, making him transfer schools. He also hears about other incidents, like when he stole a mascot's head. The full extent of his past cruelty starts to become clear, making him feel guilty and confused. He struggles to match the 'new' kind Chase with the 'old' mean one, fearing he might return to his former self.

The Hydrangea Incident and Community Service

Chase discovers that his fall from the roof was not just an accident; it was from a prank that went wrong. He, Aaron, and Bear had been found guilty of damaging Mr. Solway's home, a decorated Korean War veteran, by setting off a firework and stealing his Medal of Honor. As a result, he is sentenced to community service at the Portland Street Assisted Living Residence, where Mr. Solway lives. This news adds more shame and confusion to Chase's understanding of his past, making him face the direct results of his actions.

Befriending Mr. Solway

At the assisted living residence, Chase helps Mr. Solway, the veteran whose Medal of Honor he supposedly stole. Mr. Solway is grumpy and often confused because of dementia. Despite initial awkwardness, Chase patiently helps Mr. Solway, playing checkers and listening to his war stories. He finds himself caring for the old man. Their relationship grows as Chase encourages Mr. Solway to share his experiences, even starting to film his stories for the video club. This bond helps Chase perform real acts of kindness and empathy.

The Stolen Medal of Honor

The missing Medal of Honor remains a main problem. While Chase knows he was involved in the prank, he does not remember taking the medal. Aaron and Bear say he stole it, using his amnesia as an excuse. This accusation weighs on him, especially as he gets closer to Mr. Solway. He secretly hopes to find the medal to return it, not only to clear his name but also to bring peace to Mr. Solway. The search for the medal becomes a way to make up for a past wrong he cannot remember.

The National Video Contest

Inspired by Chase's connection with Mr. Solway, the video club, now including Shoshanna and Brendan, decides to make a documentary about Mr. Solway's life and war experiences for the National Video Contest. Shoshanna at first does not want to work with Chase because of his past bullying of Joel, but she sees his real efforts and talent. As they film, they learn more about Mr. Solway's bravery and the importance of his Medal of Honor. This project makes Shoshanna question her judgments against the 'new' Chase, and the team grows closer, united by their shared creative goal.

The Locker Room Confrontation

Aaron and Bear, feeling threatened by Chase's new friends and his refusal to be his old self, confront him in the locker room. They try to pressure him into rejoining the football team and their bullying ways. During their argument, Aaron accidentally reveals that the stolen Medal of Honor is hidden in Chase's old football helmet, which is still in his locker. This news shocks Chase, confirming his involvement in the theft but also showing that Aaron and Bear knew where it was all along. He gets the medal, determined to return it.

The Documentary Premiere and the Fire Alarm

The video club's documentary, 'Warrior,' premieres at the assisted living residence, attended by students, staff, and residents. Mr. Solway is deeply moved by the film. During the screening, a fire alarm is pulled (later found to be by Aaron and Bear trying to get the medal). In the confusion, Mr. Solway, disoriented, drops the Medal of Honor. Chase, seeing the medal fall, rushes to get it, putting its safety first. He saves the medal, but the incident causes more confusion and suspicion, especially from his father, who still sees him as his old self.

The Trial and Redemption

A hearing is held to decide what will happen to Chase, Aaron, and Bear regarding the Medal of Honor theft and the fire alarm incident. Chase, remembering parts of the original prank, admits his involvement but strongly denies stealing the medal. Aaron and Bear continue to blame Chase. The key moment comes when Mr. Solway, touched by the documentary, clearly states that 'Chase returned my medal.' Although still confused, Mr. Solway's simple truth, combined with the evidence that Aaron and Bear knew where it was, clears Chase. Aaron and Bear are suspended, while Chase receives a lighter punishment, showing his changed character and the new evidence.

A New Beginning

After the trial, Chase is officially cleared of stealing the medal, though he still faces consequences for his part in the prank. He thinks about his journey, realizing that even without his memory, he has chosen to be a better person. He has made real friends with Brendan, Shoshanna, and the rest of the video club, and his bond with Mr. Solway is strong. Joel Weber, now back at Hiawassee, even approaches Chase with a hesitant friendship. Chase decides to rejoin the football team, not as the old bully, but as a changed person, ready to use his athletic skills for good and to continue building his new, positive identity. He looks forward to a future where he defines himself by his current actions, not his forgotten past.

Principal Figures

Chase Ambrose

The Protagonist

From a feared bully with no memory, Chase transforms into a compassionate and responsible individual, choosing kindness and new friendships over his past reputation.

Shoshanna Weber

The Supporting

Shoshanna moves from intense hatred and suspicion of Chase to grudging acceptance and ultimately friendship, recognizing his genuine transformation.

Brendan Espinoza

The Supporting

Brendan overcomes his initial fear of Chase and becomes a supportive friend and creative partner, helping Chase discover a new passion.

Aaron Hakimian

The Supporting/Antagonist

Aaron remains largely unchanged, attempting to cling to his past identity and manipulate Chase, ultimately facing consequences for his actions.

Bear Bratsky

The Supporting/Antagonist

Bear, like Aaron, resists Chase's transformation and continues to perpetuate their old bullying patterns, leading to negative consequences.

Mr. Solway

The Supporting

From a confused and withdrawn veteran, Mr. Solway finds a renewed sense of purpose and companionship through his bond with Chase, ultimately helping to clear Chase's name.

Joel Weber

The Supporting

Joel moves from being a traumatized victim of bullying to cautiously accepting the 'new' Chase, symbolizing forgiveness and the potential for a fresh start.

Frank Ambrose

The Supporting

Frank struggles to accept Chase's new identity, clinging to his past image of his son, but shows hints of understanding by the end.

Corinne Ambrose

The Supporting

Corinne embraces Chase's new, kinder personality, providing unwavering support for his transformation.

Themes & Insights

Identity and Self-Discovery

The main theme is Chase's journey to define who he is after losing all memory of his past. He sees two different versions of 'Chase Ambrose': the aggressive bully and the kind, empathetic person he is becoming. The book explores if identity is fixed or if one can truly 'restart' and choose who they want to be, regardless of their past. Chase actively chooses his new identity through his actions, friendships, and kindness towards Mr. Solway, showing that self-discovery is an ongoing process of choice.

“Just because I can't remember my past doesn't mean I didn't have one. And just because I can't remember it doesn't mean I'm not responsible for it.”

— Chase Ambrose

Redemption and Forgiveness

Chase's amnesia offers a chance for redemption. Unaware of his past wrongs, he unintentionally starts to make up for them through his new kindness, especially towards Mr. Solway and the video club members. The story explores if true redemption is possible without remembering the offense, and how others, like Shoshanna and Joel, deal with forgiving a person who no longer seems to be their tormentor. Returning the Medal of Honor is a clear act of making amends, even if the memory of the theft is gone.

“I was a jerk. I'm not going to deny it. But I'm not that guy anymore. And I'm going to prove it.”

— Chase Ambrose

The Impact of Bullying

The novel clearly shows the harmful and lasting effects of bullying, mainly through Joel Weber's experiences. Joel's fear, anxiety, and the extreme step of transferring schools show the severe emotional harm caused by Chase, Aaron, and Bear. The reactions of other students and Shoshanna's protective actions also show how widespread bullying is in the school. The book emphasizes that bullying has serious consequences that last long after it happens.

“It's not like the old Chase just disappeared. He's still in there somewhere. And that's what scares me.”

— Shoshanna Weber

The Power of Choice

Even without his memories, Chase constantly faces choices: to return to his old ways with Aaron and Bear, or to embrace his new, kinder self. His decision to join the video club, befriend Mr. Solway, and confess his part in the prank, shows how powerful individual choice is in shaping one's character. The story suggests that while situations can change, our conscious decisions, rather than our past, define us and determine our future.

“Maybe it's not about what you remember. Maybe it's about what you do now.”

— Brendan Espinoza

Family Expectations vs. Individual Growth

This theme is mainly seen through Chase's relationship with his father, Frank, and his mother, Corinne. Frank represents the pressure of meeting a specific expectation (the football star, the 'tough guy'), struggling to accept Chase's new, gentler personality. Corinne, on the other hand, accepts his change. This dynamic shows the conflict between parental expectations and a child's right to create their own path and identity, especially when that path is very different from what was expected.

“My dad wants the old Chase back. My mom likes the new one. And I don't know which one I'm supposed to be.”

— Chase Ambrose (internal thought)

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Amnesia

A complete loss of memory that serves as the catalyst for Chase's transformation.

The device of amnesia is central to the entire plot, providing Chase with a literal 'blank slate.' It allows the author to explore themes of identity, redemption, and the nature of good versus evil without the protagonist being burdened by conscious guilt or memory of past actions. By stripping Chase of his past, the narrative forces him, and the reader, to question whether a person's character is inherent or a product of their experiences and choices. It also creates dramatic irony, as the reader (and other characters) knows more about Chase's past than he does, building suspense and empathy.

Multiple First-Person Perspectives

The story is told from the viewpoints of several characters, offering varied insights into Chase's past and present.

The novel utilizes multiple first-person narrators (Chase, Shoshanna, Brendan, Aaron, Joel, etc.) to provide a comprehensive and nuanced view of Chase's character and the impact of his actions. This device is crucial for showing the different 'Chases' that existed – the feared bully, the confused amnesiac, and the developing kind individual. It allows readers to understand the depth of the bullying victims' pain, the former friends' resistance to change, and the new friends' cautious optimism, enriching the themes of perception, identity, and forgiveness.

The Medal of Honor

A stolen war medal that symbolizes Chase's past wrongs and his path to redemption.

Mr. Solway's Medal of Honor serves as a powerful symbol throughout the book. It represents Chase's worst past offense – a disrespectful act of vandalism and theft against a war hero. Its disappearance and subsequent recovery become a tangible quest for Chase, embodying his desire for redemption and to right a wrong he can't remember committing. The medal's return signifies not just a physical act of restitution but also Chase's internal transformation and his commitment to being a person of integrity, irrespective of his amnesia.

The Video Club / Documentary

A new activity that provides Chase with a positive outlet and a means of connection.

The video club acts as a pivotal plot device that facilitates Chase's transformation and integration into a new social group. It provides him with a creative outlet, allowing him to discover a talent and passion entirely separate from football. More importantly, the collaborative documentary project about Mr. Solway becomes a vehicle for Chase to build genuine friendships, develop empathy, and actively contribute positively to his community. It symbolizes a 'new beginning' and a constructive way for Chase to engage with the world, directly contrasting his destructive past activities.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“I used to be a bully. Now I'm not sure who I am.”

— Chase Ambrose reflects on his identity after losing his memory.

“Sometimes you have to forget who you were to remember who you want to be.”

— Chase contemplates his fresh start after the accident.

“It's weird how you can be a stranger to yourself.”

— Chase struggles with not recognizing his past actions.

“I don't want to be the guy everyone's afraid of anymore.”

— Chase decides to change his behavior at school.

“The past is a ghost. It can't hurt you unless you let it.”

— A supporting character advises Chase about moving forward.

“Friendship isn't about who you've known the longest. It's about who walked into your life and said, 'I'm here for you.'”

— Chase experiences genuine connection with new friends.

“You can't erase the past, but you can write a better future.”

— Chase learns to take responsibility and make amends.

“Being kind is a choice you make every single day.”

— Chase realizes kindness as a conscious decision.

“The hardest person to forgive is yourself.”

— Chase grapples with guilt over his past bullying.

“We're all just stories in the end. Make yours a good one.”

— Reflective moment about shaping one's own narrative.

“Fear is a prison. Don't let it lock you in.”

— Chase encourages someone facing their own fears.

“It's not about where you start; it's about where you finish.”

— Chase focuses on his journey of personal growth.

“The truth doesn't change just because you don't remember it.”

— Chase confronts the reality of his past actions.

“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.”

— Chase learns to rely on others during his recovery.

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Key Questions (FAQ)

'Restart' follows Chase Ambrose, a middle school football star who loses his memory after falling off a roof. He wakes up with amnesia and must rediscover his identity, learning that he was previously a notorious bully. The story explores whether he can change his behavior and reputation now that he has a clean slate.

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