58 pages • 1 hour read
Gordon KormanLevel 13
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Authorial Context: Gordan Korman
Gordon Korman, a Canadian author, has significantly impacted children's and young adult literature. Born on October 23, 1963, in Montreal, Quebec, Korman's writing journey began at a young age (Korman, Gordon. “About Gordan Korman.” Gordon Korman). He wrote his first book, This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall, at the age of 12 for a 7th-grade English assignment (Korman). By the time he was in high school, he had already become a published author, setting the stage for his writing career.
Korman attributes his success to “a combination between real life and pure imagination” (“Gordon Korman.” Scholastic). This approach is evident in Level 13, where Cam tries to become a professional streamer, one of the few professions minors can make significant money doing. There is a fine balance between realistic scenarios and the ridiculous, like Elvis, the beaver video game enthusiast.
One of the hallmarks of Korman's work is his knack for infusing humor and adventure into his stories, as seen in Level 13. What starts as a coming-of-age story takes a turn with the addition of Cam's stalker. Korman uses humor throughout, particularly pointing out the contradiction between Cam's motivations and how others view them.
Korman's personal life experiences, including balancing academic responsibilities and pursuing his passions, resonate in Cam's story. Just as Korman juggled his writing career and education, Cam struggles to balance his Positive Action Group president duties and aspirations to become a successful game streamer. This parallel showcases Korman's understanding of the pressures and conflicts that young people face today.
Additionally, Korman's prolific career, having written over 100 books, demonstrates his deep understanding of young readers' evolving interests and concerns. His ability to stay relevant and engaging illustrates his keen observation and connection with his audience. In Level 13, Korman effectively addresses contemporary themes such as social media, online identity, and the importance of community, reflecting his awareness of current trends and issues impacting today's youth. Korman attributes his continued relevance to his sons, avid gamers who helped inspire Slacker and Level 13 (“Q&A with Gordan Korman.” Scholastic. On Our Minds, 15 Jul. 2019).
Gordon Korman's extensive career and personal experiences greatly influence his writing, making his stories relatable and engaging for young readers.
Cultural Context: Streaming’s Popularity and Potential Dangers to Youth
Online streaming has exploded in popularity, with millions of viewers tuning in daily. Among these viewers are many young people, some launching their own channels. While this surge offers exciting opportunities for connection and creativity, it also presents a unique set of challenges, especially for minors navigating the online world. Gordon Korman's Level 13 tackles this complex issue head-on, exploring the risks and rewards of online streaming through the experiences of its protagonist, Cam Boxer.
One major concern of online streaming is its potential for exploitation and exposure to inappropriate content. In Level 13, Cam starts streaming under the alias GameFox229 to conceal his identity. Despite his precautions, he encounters numerous challenges, including unwanted attention from a stalker. This underscores minors’ vulnerabilities online, where personal information can be inadvertently shared or discovered, leading to privacy breaches and potential dangers. While this ends well for Cam, whose fantastic luck is nearly a superpower, many young streamers have fewer positive experiences.
Another significant issue is the pressure and stress of maintaining an online presence. Cam's obsession with increasing his subscriber count to 50,000 negatively affects his mental and physical health. The constant need to entertain and engage followers can lead to burnout, as seen when Cam becomes ill and is diagnosed with leptospirosis. While the disease is easily treatable, Cam lets it go on far longer than he needs to because he does not want to neglect his stream. This reflects the broader reality for many young streamers who may neglect their physical and mental well-being in pursuit of online success.
Additionally, the influence of social media and streaming platforms can distort minors’ sense of reality and self-worth. In the novel, Cam's identity becomes intertwined with his online persona, leading to conflicts in his personal life and responsibilities. This highlights how the pursuit of online fame can create unrealistic expectations and pressures, impacting minors’ relationships and academic performance.
Furthermore, minors may lack the maturity to navigate the ethical dilemmas associated with streaming. Cam uses his classmates’ homework under false pretenses to allow himself more time for steaming, illustrating the moral complexities of balancing personal gain with integrity. This behavior affects his reputation and strains his friendships, showing the broader implications of ethical missteps in the digital age.
Level 13 critically examines the challenges and risks minors face when streaming online. Through Cam's experiences, Gordon Korman effectively highlights concerns related to privacy, stress, distorted self-worth, and ethical dilemmas, offering valuable insights into the complex world of youth online streaming.
Related Titles
By Gordon Korman
