Operation Do-Over by Gordon Korman
Published by HarperCollins US on June 1, 2022
ISBN: 0063032740
Pages: 304
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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The adorable illustration of the sheepdog on the cover of this book drew me in, but though Korman’s books are usually enjoyable, this one missed its mark and the plot of the book did not entirely reflect the promise of the cover.

Mason and Ty were the very best of friends until seventh grade when Mason kissed the new girl, Ava Petrakis. Mason and Ty both had a crush on Ava and had agreed to a “non-Ava treaty,” which Mason breaks. The two argue and five years later still have not made up.

While driving home from school, Mason has a car accident, and wakes up to find out that he is twelve again. This is his chance to redo his life and avoid the mistakes that he’d made in the past. This too familiar, “Back-to-the Future” plot, which also shows up in another Korman book, “Restart” (which is better in my opinion), falls flat. Narration alternates between Mason at age 12 and at age 17 making it unclear as to which age the book is geared. The theme that choices you make today can affect you later in life is a worthy one for middle schoolers to consider, but it feels like the book will flounder for lack of audience.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library