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Reformed
What's harder than surviving a school bully? Surviving a school full of bullies.
The word troublemaker has never been used to describe Ian Hart. Nice, nerdy . . . clueless, if you ask the girls in his class. Which is exactly why he gets along with Devon Crawford. Devon's the kind of kid who speaks his mind and stands up for his friends -- even if he sometimes takes it too far.
But after one of Devon's pranks goes terribly awry, Ian finds himself shipped off to the scariest place on earth -- bully reform school -- where the pranks are more twisted, the bullies are more brutal, and good kids like Ian don't stand a chance.
The word troublemaker has never been used to describe Ian Hart. Nice, nerdy . . . clueless, if you ask the girls in his class. Which is exactly why he gets along with Devon Crawford. Devon's the kind of kid who speaks his mind and stands up for his friends -- even if he sometimes takes it too far.
But after one of Devon's pranks goes terribly awry, Ian finds himself shipped off to the scariest place on earth -- bully reform school -- where the pranks are more twisted, the bullies are more brutal, and good kids like Ian don't stand a chance.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 28, 2017
16 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 1, 2017
I'm still not exactly sure what the point of this book is. I don't think I'd recommend it to my struggling students, as I had a hard time figuring out what was really happening with the main character. I skimmed most of the second half of it.
August 20, 2017
School bullies or nice kids? Sometimes who you hang out with determines your fate. After four boys get in trouble on the last day of school, they get sent to summer reform school. Will this change their behavior? Will they find out who the real bullies are? This was an OK read for me!
February 27, 2017
This book is about a boy named Ian hart. The day before field day, his teacher gave his whole class an assignment to be done by tomorrow(which was field day). The next day Ian asked his mom to not make him a peanut butter sandwich.(but she did anyways). Ian was mad but he wen't to school. When he got their he didn't do his assignment and tried to ask people if he can copy of them. But they all said no. After sitting in the classroom the teacher finally let him go out and play during field day. "Field day looked like a carnival with prizes and games and even FOOD!!" said Ian. He ran to find his friends Ash and Alva. Once he found them they played until lunch. At that time he didn't wan't to eat his peanut butter sand which so he gave it to the new boy in the school.(Turns out he was Extremely allergic to peanuts. After the new kid took one bite he fell to the ground and the principal called an ambulance. Ian, Alva, and Ash got called in to the office. They dtried to say things but the principal didn't pay attention to them. So the principal labeled them as "Bullies" and for summer he sent Ian, Alva, and Ash away to a bully reform school called "JANUS". When they got their there were kids way older than them. One kid told them about a story called the lying girl. If she caught you then you will be thrown out the window. At the end of the book the bully who told them about the story and got thrown out the window and the book ended. This boom was so great and exciting. I would recommend this book to my brother.
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January 15, 2019Fantastic book about bullying and how you should not bully or be a bully.
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June 17, 2019I think the theme of this book is that you should always stick up for you friends. I think this because Devon is always sticking up for his friends in this book.
June 15, 2017
I really don't want to rate this book 2 star but I'm left with no other choice :/
The only good (or rather not so bad) stuff about the book was the writing. Apart from that, none of the elements of the book succeeded in impressing me or even hold my attention.
The low points :-
* Characterisation wasn't good enough.
* A very very weak plot.
* Unclear conclusion. (I failed to understand what the moral of the story was)
* Story was peppered with so many not so funny moments which I presume that the author must've considered em as humour.
* Too many ingredients spoil the dish. Likewise, the authors decision to introduce a whole bunch of characters weighed down the already filmsy storyline. Most of them were half baked and none of em created even an hour lasting impression in me.
I'm sure I would've rated the book a lil bit higher if it was backed by a solid plot.
Hope he doesn't hold an eternal grudge against me for my harsh review of his debut book. I took time to point out the flaws only because I believe in him so much. I still believe that the author can come up with a much better work by investing more time in sketching the characters and laying a good plot.
All the best for your future works Justin. (I'll be looking forward to them. ((pinky swear)))
Peace out :)
The only good (or rather not so bad) stuff about the book was the writing. Apart from that, none of the elements of the book succeeded in impressing me or even hold my attention.
The low points :-
* Characterisation wasn't good enough.
* A very very weak plot.
* Unclear conclusion. (I failed to understand what the moral of the story was)
* Story was peppered with so many not so funny moments which I presume that the author must've considered em as humour.
* Too many ingredients spoil the dish. Likewise, the authors decision to introduce a whole bunch of characters weighed down the already filmsy storyline. Most of them were half baked and none of em created even an hour lasting impression in me.
I'm sure I would've rated the book a lil bit higher if it was backed by a solid plot.
Hope he doesn't hold an eternal grudge against me for my harsh review of his debut book. I took time to point out the flaws only because I believe in him so much. I still believe that the author can come up with a much better work by investing more time in sketching the characters and laying a good plot.
All the best for your future works Justin. (I'll be looking forward to them. ((pinky swear)))
Peace out :)
March 25, 2018
In Reformed, Ian Hart's friendships and loyalties are tested as he learns about what it is to be a true friend or a true bully. Ian is someone who conforms to the people around him and their expectations for him, which winds up getting him into a lot of trouble when one of his "friends" endangers the life of another student. Ian goes to a summer camp school for bullies, where he learns to be more himself, as well as a few other important lessons. The side characters are pretty interesting in this one, though not exactly well-rounded. Ian himself constantly talks to an imaginary, young version of Thomas Edison, which might confuse younger readers. Overall, it's a decent middle grade book with a pretty solid anti-bullying, be-yourself message.
October 7, 2019
Not a bad book once you realize that the cover and back of cover description are totally off base - indeed they are completely deceptive and misleading. This is not a funny hamster book with a light prank- the hamster is mentioned maybe 2x. It is not a cute book. It is a deep delving into the psyche of a disturbed pre-teen that has gotten mixed up with some tough friends who commit a felony. There are many quasi-hallucinagenic passages and frightening imagery of the interior of a depressed young person.
I do think that there is an interesting arc to the novel however.
I do think that there is an interesting arc to the novel however.
February 15, 2019
“An intriguing book about friendship that makes you feel reformed for the better!”
Book Review by Lea Nikolov
Bullies surround him everywhere, but Ian Ontario Heart will battle for what’s best for himself and his friends after surviving an insane summer. Ian is the main character of Reformed by Justin Weinberger, along with his best friends Ash, Mark, Alva, and Devon. It isn’t a piece of cake surviving at a reform school for the whole summer, due to the incident that happened to his new friend, Max, on the last day of school. When Ian simply agreed to trade his peanut butter and jelly sandwich with his friend Devon, Max began wheezing and quickly losing air because of his allergy to peanuts. Being sent to the principal’s office on the last day of school wasn’t Ian’s plan, but being sent to reform school was miles away from what Ian had expected. How was he going to be able to spend an entire three months with bullies all around him?
The realistic fiction tale Reformed is the first novel of Weinberger. Readers that favor extreme climaxes and resolutions that reflect off of your thoughts and the overall story, like I do, will enjoy this book the most. It doesn’t belong to a series, but it can be compared to Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick and Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. Each of these superb novels are written about a geeky boy in middle school who finds his way through life. I would rate it for ages eleven and up due to the slight inappropriate language for young children yet the enjoyable, slightly juvenile plot. It consists of a normal writing style (not a poetic or rhyming prose). The vivid description is what I loved about this book. Every single, minuscule detail is described to easily create images in my mind of what and how each scene occurs.
The protagonist is Ian himself, and the antagonist is Devon. Devon was thought to be the ultimate friend that stood up for Ian, but his cruel actions will make true, honest peers like Ian think otherwise. Alva was a girl that was at JANUS, the reform school, and she was right by Ian’s side, despite the ups and downs, along with Ash. Alva was doubted by everyone, but she turned up to be an appreciative companion. I would say all of these characters are relatable because each of them faces the same problem as everyone else, so they have to make it through together. I would say that my favorite characters are Alva and Ash because Alva will fight to make herself happy, and Ash will understand anyone, especially Ian, because he is caring. These two characters represent the theme of the book. Speaking of, the theme of the book is that life is not a battle, for you should figure out those battles that are thrown at you in order to be prepared and content.
The setting of this story takes place at JANUS in present day. The author does a splendid job at achieving most of the elements for his readers and drawing them in. Overall, I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars because there are a couple of parts in the book where the details seem to be tossed at the reader, but other than that, the book is a pleasure to read. There weren’t any mistakes that I caught. This book’s purpose is for entertainment. I didn’t have a favorite part because it was too difficult to choose! I do love the whole idea and plot, though. I am exceedingly delighted that I selected this book, and I highly recommend it!
Book Review by Lea Nikolov
Bullies surround him everywhere, but Ian Ontario Heart will battle for what’s best for himself and his friends after surviving an insane summer. Ian is the main character of Reformed by Justin Weinberger, along with his best friends Ash, Mark, Alva, and Devon. It isn’t a piece of cake surviving at a reform school for the whole summer, due to the incident that happened to his new friend, Max, on the last day of school. When Ian simply agreed to trade his peanut butter and jelly sandwich with his friend Devon, Max began wheezing and quickly losing air because of his allergy to peanuts. Being sent to the principal’s office on the last day of school wasn’t Ian’s plan, but being sent to reform school was miles away from what Ian had expected. How was he going to be able to spend an entire three months with bullies all around him?
The realistic fiction tale Reformed is the first novel of Weinberger. Readers that favor extreme climaxes and resolutions that reflect off of your thoughts and the overall story, like I do, will enjoy this book the most. It doesn’t belong to a series, but it can be compared to Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick and Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. Each of these superb novels are written about a geeky boy in middle school who finds his way through life. I would rate it for ages eleven and up due to the slight inappropriate language for young children yet the enjoyable, slightly juvenile plot. It consists of a normal writing style (not a poetic or rhyming prose). The vivid description is what I loved about this book. Every single, minuscule detail is described to easily create images in my mind of what and how each scene occurs.
The protagonist is Ian himself, and the antagonist is Devon. Devon was thought to be the ultimate friend that stood up for Ian, but his cruel actions will make true, honest peers like Ian think otherwise. Alva was a girl that was at JANUS, the reform school, and she was right by Ian’s side, despite the ups and downs, along with Ash. Alva was doubted by everyone, but she turned up to be an appreciative companion. I would say all of these characters are relatable because each of them faces the same problem as everyone else, so they have to make it through together. I would say that my favorite characters are Alva and Ash because Alva will fight to make herself happy, and Ash will understand anyone, especially Ian, because he is caring. These two characters represent the theme of the book. Speaking of, the theme of the book is that life is not a battle, for you should figure out those battles that are thrown at you in order to be prepared and content.
The setting of this story takes place at JANUS in present day. The author does a splendid job at achieving most of the elements for his readers and drawing them in. Overall, I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars because there are a couple of parts in the book where the details seem to be tossed at the reader, but other than that, the book is a pleasure to read. There weren’t any mistakes that I caught. This book’s purpose is for entertainment. I didn’t have a favorite part because it was too difficult to choose! I do love the whole idea and plot, though. I am exceedingly delighted that I selected this book, and I highly recommend it!
December 21, 2018
I recommend this book to the fifth and sixth grade demographic. This book’s comedy is more directed towards that group of people, because the main character is around the same age range, and the humor he reacts to correlates to that. My personal opinions on this book are mixed. While I love the premise of this book, it was harder for me to understand it at times, and often confused me, causing me to reread a lot. This is because the book jumped around from place to place, and sometimes the way characters reacted to things happening made no sense, at least in my head. However, if you can get past that, Reformed is a great next read.
November 3, 2018
This book Reformed was a great book it talks about this boy named Ian Hart and he is a boy who wants to lye low and don't cause any attention to anyone. One day a kid at his lunch table brings a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and this other kid at his table is allergic. So the boy who is allergic has this big reaction to it and he and a couple of his other buddies get sent away to this school that helps kids be nicer it is basically a bully school. So if you like stories with a lot of action this book would be just right for you.
February 5, 2019
The story line is good and makes for a good read, but the characters' ages don't fit their actions, vocabulary, and humor. If they were older in the story, it would be more believable. But with that said, it is a raw story of not only bullying but relationships in general and how we can be manipulated in our actions and not even realize it sometimes. Bullies have to travel in numbers, so being on the outside can be a lonely place. But that place is a good place in the end and not as lonely as you think.
March 23, 2020
I can't give this a 3, but it wasn't really a 2 either. I bought it for my Jr. High library and I'm curious to see what the students say about it. It's suppose to be funny, I think, but I didn't find it that funny. There are funny parts, but as a whole, not a humor book. Some of the things that happened were odd, not explained fully. I'm still trying to figure out why all these boys got sent to reform school. Not that they didn't do something wrong, but characteristically, were they all that bad? That is one of the questions this books left me with.
March 11, 2019
My favorite character was Alva. I chose Alva Because she has a lot of interesting qualities that I admire in a person and some that I don't she is funny caring and kind of a mystery. But she also can be reckless and unforgiving. so all an all pretty good person.
What surprised me was when Devon and Mark betrayed Ian and Ash. And I was especially surprised when Mark sided with Devon. Because Mark always seemed like the good kid who never wanted to get caught doing something bad.
I wouldn't change the ending because it kind of wrapped up nicely and had a nice finish to it I kind of felt like all the strings came together and it kind of well finished.
What surprised me was when Devon and Mark betrayed Ian and Ash. And I was especially surprised when Mark sided with Devon. Because Mark always seemed like the good kid who never wanted to get caught doing something bad.
I wouldn't change the ending because it kind of wrapped up nicely and had a nice finish to it I kind of felt like all the strings came together and it kind of well finished.
February 10, 2020
Their is a boy and his friends who get in serious trouble for supposedly putting another boy in danger. They are then sent to another school because the teachers think that what they have done was all their fault. I would recommend this book for teenagers. They can relate to this book in many different ways. Teenagers would have the most knowledge of why the main character does what he does, which causes those readers relate to this book very easily.
July 6, 2021
Fun story ensues after a terribly upsetting allergy incident.
The children involved in the incident are sent to a reforming school summer camp. The changes they go through are both expected and unexpected as they live together while dining, exercising, and going to group counseling sessions. There are laughs here, but the social behavior is not always kind, so expect angst, as well.
The children involved in the incident are sent to a reforming school summer camp. The changes they go through are both expected and unexpected as they live together while dining, exercising, and going to group counseling sessions. There are laughs here, but the social behavior is not always kind, so expect angst, as well.
March 28, 2023
Hate this book I stopped reading after like 10 pages and skimmed through the book. I'm in 6th grade but this is hella boring like what the f#ck this actually sucks this should get banned from every single bookstore it is not funny and doesn't make sense at all like Ian Hart who are you you don't even make sense.
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February 23, 2024Poison-Roadkill-book about something you might find dead on the roada prank on a fellow sstudent sends 4 grade school students to 'reform' school for the summer. Maine main character Ian talks to Thomas zEdison in his head and really isn't the bad kid like the rest. He's a patsy in the schemes of his 'friends'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 1, 2019"Maybe she's right. Maybe we are from the future. Looking back and feeling like it's all worth it. Looking forward and feeling like it's all gonna work out okay."- Justin Weinberger
Although this is a middle grade book, this line applies to all. Its the highlight of it all.
Although this is a middle grade book, this line applies to all. Its the highlight of it all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2020
Some humor. Characters and their behavior seemed too young for the story being told. The premise seemed a little over the top or perhaps enough info wasn't given to make the four boys going to JANUS seem quite plausible. I liked the hacker.
January 27, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book had a good plot idea. It felt like it was rushing to fast past the important details and slowing down at the less important details. It would have had been better if Justin Weinberger didn't try adding in Gordon Korman-like parts, like time travel.
This book had a good plot idea. It felt like it was rushing to fast past the important details and slowing down at the less important details. It would have had been better if Justin Weinberger didn't try adding in Gordon Korman-like parts, like time travel.
July 18, 2017
Fun read for middle grade students. Relatable characters and situations.
December 8, 2017
I thought this book was okay. It isn't really my type of book. I like books that are scary or have a cliff hangers in them. I think people who like funny books would like this.
December 21, 2017
Decent, decent. A lot of gaps, as if some pages were missing, but decent.
April 23, 2018
3 stars
- Miss Anna
- Miss Anna
May 6, 2020
Started off good, but the ending just got weird and then just ended with no real conclusion. So disappointed because I was really enjoying the first half.
October 11, 2021
Bullies, bullying, keeping your head down, and then finally standing up for yourself. This middle -school book is an unorthodoxed winner.
March 22, 2022
no wound i bought this in like 3rd grade
May 19, 2022
Decent, decent. A lot of gaps, as if some pages were missing, but decent.
July 20, 2022
I loved this book. I literally emailed you about it last year in the last book fair! I'm the kid who actually liked Ian. I learned that bravery, even to "act" brave, isn't that still being brave?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews