Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started for free
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Unteachables summary
Gordon Korma
Brief summary
The Unteachables by Gordon Korman is a heartwarming story about a group of misfit students and a burnt-out teacher who inspire each other to break free from their labels and discover their true potential.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Unteachables
Summary of key ideas
Unlikely Bonds and Unconventional Lessons
In The Unteachables by Gordon Korman, we are introduced to a group of students who have been labeled as unteachable by their school. They are placed in a class together, taught by Mr. Zachary Kermit, a teacher who is just as disillusioned with his career as his students are with their education. The students, who include Aldo, Parker, Kiana, Elaine, and more, are a motley crew, each with their own set of problems and issues.
Mr. Kermit, initially disinterested in his new assignment, soon realizes that the students in room 117 are not the lost causes he had assumed them to be. Aldo, a troublemaker, shows surprising leadership qualities; Parker, an illiterate, is a whiz at math; Kiana, an outsider, teaches the class the value of acceptance; and Elaine, a girl who is always angry, reveals a hidden talent for art. The students, too, despite their initial resistance, start to see Mr. Kermit as more than just a burnt-out teacher.
Challenges and Growth
As the school year progresses, the class faces a series of challenges. They are pitted against the gifted and talented class in a robotics competition, and despite their lack of resources and experience, they manage to hold their own. They also navigate personal challenges, such as family problems, self-esteem issues, and the fear of failure. Through it all, they learn to rely on each other and themselves, growing both as individuals and as a team.
Mr. Kermit, too, undergoes his own transformation. He rediscovers his passion for teaching, finding creative and unconventional ways to engage his students. He encourages them to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and not let their past define their future. As a result, the students start to believe in themselves and their potential, striving for success despite the odds stacked against them.
Forgiveness and New Beginnings
As the end of the school year approaches, the class faces one final challenge: the dreaded state exam. Despite their initial lack of enthusiasm, the students, with Mr. Kermit's guidance, start to prepare for the test. They draw on their own strengths and unique perspectives, approaching the material in a way that makes sense to them. When the results come in, they have all passed, a testament to their hard work and the power of unconventional teaching methods.
In the end, The Unteachables is a story of forgiveness and new beginnings. Mr. Kermit forgives himself for past mistakes, finding joy and purpose in teaching once again. The students forgive themselves and each other, learning to embrace their differences and use them as strengths. And together, they look forward to a future filled with endless possibilities, knowing that they are no longer the unteachables, but rather, the unstoppable.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Unteachables about?
The Unteachables by Gordon Korman is a heartwarming and humorous novel about a group of misfit students and a teacher who refuses to give up on them. Set in a failing school, the story explores themes of second chances, friendship, and the power of unconventional teaching methods. It will make you laugh, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you rooting for the underdogs.
The Unteachables Review
The Unteachables by Gordon Korman (2019) tells the story of a group of misfit students and a teacher who helps them realize their potential. Here's why this book is a great choice:
- Featuring a cast of colorful and relatable characters, it offers a heartwarming portrayal of friendship and growth.
- The book explores themes of redemption, resilience, and the power of second chances, making it both touching and thought-provoking.
- With its humor, wit, and unexpected twists, this novel guarantees an entertaining and engaging reading experience that will keep you hooked until the last page.
Who should read The Unteachables?
Readers who enjoy humorous and heartwarming stories
Teachers and educators looking for a relatable and entertaining read
Parents and caregivers who want to understand the challenges and triumphs of students who don't fit the traditional mold
Categories with The Unteachables
Book summaries like The Unteachables
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.8 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
43 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Unteachables FAQs
What is the main message of The Unteachables?
The main message of The Unteachables centers on second chances and finding redemption in unexpected places.
How long does it take to read The Unteachables?
The estimated reading time for The Unteachables is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in around 15 minutes.
Is The Unteachables a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Unteachables is a heartwarming read that emphasizes the power of community and growth. It's definitely worth diving into.
Who is the author of The Unteachables?
The author of The Unteachables is Gordon Korman.
What to read after The Unteachables?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Unteachables, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher