Reader here! I was recently going through my book shelves, and found one of my favourite books from when I was a kid, from a great Canadian author, by the name of Gordon Korman.

The book, as you can see here, is called “I Want to Go Home!”

It came out back in 1981, and tells the story of a young man by the name of Rudy Miller, who winds up at the fictional Camp Algonkian Island, though not by choice.

His parents sent him to camp on the advice of his school guidance counsellor, and Rudy delivers one of my favourite lines of the book to describe the situation:

“My school guidance department misguided my parents into guiding me here. They’re going to make a well-adjusted social animal out of me. They think.”

You see, Rudy doesn’t really want to do anything, and does his best to avoid any and all normal summer camp activities.

That extends to making several escape attempts and working near-constant garbage duty, along with his one pal – Mike Webster, who becomes his partner in crime.

Their misadventures, along with those Camp Counsellor Chip had me laughing out loud every time I read and re-read the book.

Absolutely hilarious!

It remains, to this day, the single best find I ever made at the Conquest School Scholastic Book Fair – an event I looked forward to year after year! I think my first copy is tucked away somewhere at the farm. I’ll have to try and dig it up!

Born in Montreal, before growing up in Thornhill, Ontario, Gordon Korman is a bestselling author who has written over 80 books for kids and young adults. Now living in New York City, his books have been translated into multiple languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

But that’s not all! Here are some more fun facts about him:

1. He wrote his first novel, “This Can’t Be Happening at Macdonald Hall,” when he was just 12 years old. The book was published when he was 14, making him one of the youngest published authors in history. It was the first book in the “Macdonald Hall” series, featuring the antics of Bruno and Boots – roommates and best pals at a fictional Ontario boarding school.
2. Korman is known for his humorous and relatable characters. He often draws inspiration from his own experiences growing up, which is why his books resonate with readers of all ages. Like the quote I shared above, he has a way with words that never ceases to make me laugh!
3. Many of his books have been turned into popular TV shows and movies, including “The 6th Grade Nickname Game” and “The War with Grandpa.”
4. A versatile writer, he’s dabbled in various genres, from comedy to mystery to sports fiction. No matter what he writes, his storytelling skills always shine through.
5. In addition to writing, Gordon Korman is also a motivational speaker who visits schools and libraries to inspire young readers to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams.

Gordon Korman is not only a prolific author but also a talented storyteller who has fans around the world. If you haven’t checked out his books yet, you really should. Even though they’re technically for kids and teens, his books are truly fun for all ages!