Gordon Korman's The Juvie Three receives praise for its engaging and fast-paced storytelling, relatable characters, and humor infused in a serious plot about troubled teens. Critics commend its accessibility for young readers, though some note predictable moments and character development that occasionally lacks depth. Overall, it effectively balances entertainment with meaningful themes.

The ideal reader for Gordon Korman’s The Juvie Three is a young adult who enjoys fast-paced, character-driven stories with themes of redemption and personal growth. Fans of S. E. Hinton’s The Outsiders and Louis Sachar’s Holes will appreciate the novel’s blend of humor, intensity, and heartfelt moments.

The Juvie Three by Gordon Korman is about three juvenile delinquents—Gecko, Terence, and Arjay—who are given a second chance through a unique rehabilitation program led by Douglas Healy. The boys must navigate personal struggles and maintain their responsibilities while Healy is in a coma, ultimately learning about personal transformation and the importance of found family. The book addresses themes of personal change, societal perceptions, and redemption.

Adventurous / Suspenseful / Heartwarming / Humorous / Inspirational

- Gordon Korman, the author of The Juvie Three, started his writing career at a young age, publishing his first book, This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall, when he was only 14 years old.
- The Juvie Three is one of Korman's numerous adventure and humor novels, showcasing his prolific career in writing children's and young adult literature with over 80 books published.
- Set in New York City, The Juvie Three provides readers with a vibrant urban backdrop, reflecting Korman's knack for incorporating dynamic and relatable settings in his stories.

**Graham "Gecko" Fosse**  
A skilled young driver compelled to navigate life's challenges and responsibilities, including relationships and personal growth within a halfway house.

**Arjay Moran**  
A compassionate and musically talented teenager with a large build, who works to navigate life after spending time in a correctional facility and finds solace in a rock band.

**Terence Florian**  
A troublemaker from Chicago with a talent for planning and lock-picking, who searches for belonging and faces challenges with old habits and gang influences.

**Douglas Healy**  
A former juvenile delinquent turned mentor, running a halfway house to offer second chances to troubled youth, with a nondescript appearance and a belief in the good in people.

**DeAndre Rhodes**  
A character with distinctive features, creating trouble and influencing Terence's choices, serving as a counterpoint to Terence's journey.

**Roxanne Fitzner**  
A warm and well-loved hospital volunteer from a wealthy family, who connects with Gecko and helps the boys during a key turning point in their story.

**Debra Vaughn**  
A strict social worker supervising the halfway house boys, often in conflict with Healy over the intentions and effectiveness of his program.

**Casey Wagner**  
A punk rock girl with a fascination for death, who attends group counseling sessions with the boys and forms a connection with Arjay.

Gordon Korman

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Juvie Three reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Juvie Three | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Juvie Three and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Juvie Three Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

The Juvie Three Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

The Juvie Three Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

The Juvie Three Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-17

The Juvie Three Chapters 13-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-21

The Juvie Three Chapters 18-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-26

The Juvie Three Chapters 22-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-31

The Juvie Three Chapters 27-31 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 32-34

The Juvie Three Chapters 32-34 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Juvie Three Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Juvie Three Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Juvie Three Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Juvie Three Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Juvie Three Essay Topics

Introduction

The Juvie Three Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The Juvie Three Before Reading

During Reading

The Juvie Three During Reading

After Reading

The Juvie Three After Reading

The Juvie Three

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Juvie Three?

Reading Age

Book Details