Restart

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Identity Photo Journal”

In this activity, students will create a photo journal to describe elements that make up the protagonist’s identity based on text details.

Chase is given the opportunity to recreate his identity because of the erasure of his past. Consider the factors that contribute to his identity both before and after he develops amnesia. Use the questions below to create an annotated digital or physical photo journal of the people, places, and activities from the novel that contribute to and ultimately influence his identity:

• How have family members, friends, and mentors shaped the way Chase views the world?
• What events inspired or influenced Chase in the novel?
• How does the setting of the story impact Chase’s identity?
• How does Chase grow as a character from beginning to end, and why?
• What might Chase’s future look like as a result of his changed identity?

Reflect on the ways Chase’s life may have been different if he had never developed amnesia. How would this alternate identity compare to Chase’s new identity and understanding of himself? Share a written comparison with your peers.

Teaching Suggestion: Students may find it beneficial to create a “before” and “after” section in their photo journals with descriptions underneath each photo to show how the protagonist’s identity changes. They may also wish to develop an additional section at the end that shows what Chase’s future might have looked like if the events in the novel had not transpired. This could be followed by an in-class discussion of the differences and similarities between the photo journals.

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Chase and his father Frank are considered football heroes in the Hiawassee school district.

• Who are the unsung heroes in Restart? (topic sentence)
• Choose three characters and explain what they did that could be considered heroic in the novel.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, describe the message Korman is conveying through these characters about heroism.

2. Several of the characters in Restart have hidden talents they were previously unaware of.

• Which characters have hidden talents, and how did they discover them? (topic sentence)
• Select two characters and explain why their talents may not have been identified up to this point in each character’s life.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, discuss the significance of talent in relation to a person’s identity.

3. After falling from the roof, Chase develops amnesia and becomes a different person because of his memory loss.

• What assumptions are made about Chase as a result of his past behavior? (topic sentence)
• Select three instances in the novel where Chase is falsely accused or mistreated because of his past.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain why you believe the characters judge Chase’s current behavior despite his amnesia.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by textual details, and a conclusion.

1. Chase’s character changes significantly because he has no background knowledge to base his identity on. Consider the ways in which identity is formed by past experiences. In a paragraph of at least three main points, describe the events in Chase’s past that shaped his behavior before developing amnesia. Support your response with evidence from the novel.  

2. Bullying in Middle School is a significant theme in the novel. In two or three paragraphs, consider the different ways individuals in the novel respond to Chase’s bullying. How do the characters learn to trust Chase, and why are they willing to take the risk? Use quotes from the novel to validate your response.

3. Prejudice is prevalent in the novel, not only toward Chase, but also toward different groups within Hiawassee Middle School. In an essay of at least three main points, consider what prejudices arise, who the prejudices are aimed at, and how Korman challenges the idea of only “jocks” having prejudices. Support your response with quotes from the text.

Multiple Choice and Long Answer Questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, exams, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. What advantages does Chase gain because of his amnesia?

A) He is immediately given a blank slate with his peers.

B) He is more artistic and understanding.

C) He is able to reconstruct his behavior and identity.

D) He is able to improve his athletic skills and popularity.

2. Which of the following characters is most likely to be described as a foil to Chase?

A) Frank

B) Joel

C) Shoshanna

D) Brendan

3. What moment best represents Chase’s newfound identity?

A) Family and friends support Chase in the courtroom.

B) Shoshanna has doubts about Chase’s changed behavior.

C) The coach is eager to allow Chase to play in the upcoming football game.

D) The principal defends Chase’s actions to the video club.

4. Which of the following scenarios best represents the novel’s theme of True Friendship?

A) Frank admires Chase’s newfound integrity.

B) Shoshanna works with Chase on a video project despite her dislike of him.

C) Brendan defends Chase when Aaron and Bear attack him.

D) Chase lies to the principal for Bear and Aaron.

5. Which of the following is an example of prejudices that arise in the novel?

A) Brendan mocks the attitudes and behaviors of cheerleaders in his school.

B) Joel is given an important position in the band.

C) Frank congratulates Chase for avoiding punishment at school.

D) Mrs. DeLeo kicks Chase out of the video club for attacking Joel.

6. How does Frank change in the novel?

A) He is no longer focused on Chase’s involvement in football.

B) He begins to respect Corinne and their daughter.

C) He acknowledges that he has mistreated Chase in the past.

D) He becomes proud of Chase’s honesty rather than his dishonesty.

7. Which of the following is an example of foreshadowing in Korman’s novel?

A) Shoshanna is rejected by Mr. Solway when she attempts to interview him.

B) Chase finds an old journal in his room with entries about forgotten memories.

C) Brendan realizes he has accidentally recorded Chase apologizing to his friends.

D) Bear and Aaron spray Brendan and his friends with a fire extinguisher.

8. What statement best summarizes the conflicts in Chase’s relationship with his father?

A) Chase feels pressure to fill the shoes of his athletic father.

B) Frank wants Chase to develop a stronger connection to his former friends.

C) Chase no longer wishes to participate in football, but his father insists.

D) Chase, because of his father, becomes concerned about the bullying in his school.

9. What is the advantage of Korman’s use of multiple first-person narrators?

A) It prevents the reader from understanding other characters, creating suspense.

B) It allows the reader to develop a stronger connection to the main character.

C) It gives the reader a first-hand experience of each character’s development.

D) It helps the reader to understand Chase from an adult perspective.

10. Which of the following factors is most likely to influence identity and behavior, according to the novel?

A)  Football

B) Friendships

C) School authorities

D) Girlfriends

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating textual details to support your response.

1. What message is the author conveying about how family and friends impact identity? What is the significance of this message?

2. Why does Korman encourage his audience to empathize with a bully? What message might Korman have about the complexity of human nature?