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Cover of THE UNTEACHABLES

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THE UNTEACHABLES

Gordon Korman

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for THE UNTEACHABLES by Gordon Korman. This book is recommended for ages 9+; content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Romance; positive qualities include Good role models, Kindness & empathy.

Ages 9+Source checked

Why this age? The school setting, humor, and accessible prose suit middle-grade readers; bullying, family difficulties, teacher burnout, and emotional growth may merit discussion with younger or sensitive readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age9+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character1/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Romance1/5

Strongest positives

  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

No death involved.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild, occasional school-aged teasing or frustration.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor, age-appropriate crushes.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

No scary content.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Minor, non-serious conflicts typical of a school setting.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show the courage to change and stand up for themselves.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages thinking outside the box to solve personal and academic hurdles.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse ensemble cast of students with varied backgrounds and struggles.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Focus is on social-emotional growth rather than explicit curriculum.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and friendship development are central to the plot.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong positive themes of redemption, empathy, and believing in those labeled as 'failures'.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters evolve to show integrity and growth despite early behavioral challenges.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Which character was the best role model, and what did they do that you admired?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE UNTEACHABLES would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE UNTEACHABLES, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTHE UNTEACHABLES
THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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