“Matt says I could see the majestic beauty of the American Southeast if I’d bother to glance out the window.”

From Gordon Korman’s Unplugged.

After his latest self-centered stunt, Jett, the spoiled son of a tech billionaire, is surprised to find himself dropped off at the Oasis of Mind and Body Wellness center in the middle of Arkansas. Arriving with Matt, his babysitter, Jett is angry to find himself stuck with the all-vegetarian menu, boiling natural hot springs, and the strict no-electronic rule of the Oasis. Grace visits the Oasis every year and loves everything about it from the food to the founder, Magnus, so she instantly hates Jett’s disrespectful attitude. Tyrell isn’t totally sold on the Oasis because of his many food allergies, so he decides to be friendly to Jett, who seems to want nothing more than to be kicked out of the Oasis and sent home. When Grace rescues a small lizard, she decides to care for the tiny creature that she’s named Needles, and she soon find her secret shared with Tyrell, Jett, and the mysterious Brooklyn. They hide Needles in a shed and begin searching for food that he’ll eat, but when he refuses the vegetarian options, they secretly borrow an Osais boat and go shopping for meat in a small nearby town. As the days continue, Jett finds himself connecting with Needles’ other caregivers, but when he notices something off about the Oasis’ lead meditation guide, Ivory, he finds himself alone again as he tries to prove his suspicions.

Korman creates a captivating story that will easily draw readers in and hold their attention until the story ends. As narration is shared between the four main characters, it is easy to connect with the unique challenges and feelings that each of possesses. Unplugged uses subtle humor and a well-developed mystery to create an unforgettable story.