Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (at some things)

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funnyI know . . . I’ll draw something . Mr. Fu lle r ma n w ith h a i r . . . (A my s ti l l not impressed .) 37 I think this book was really brilliant, it was so funny, and the drawings were really good. I would definitely like to read the other books in this series! 5 stars This book is the winner of the Roald Dahl funny prize 2011, winner of the Blue Peter award for best story, the winner of the best book for younger readers RED HOUSE children’s book award 2012 and the winner of the Waterstones children’s book prize 2012 BEST FICTION for 5- 12’s. In this book Tom’s really looking forward to the school activity trip, there will be loads of things to do like: SNOring — and th at was keeping me awake too. The noise was awful. It seemed to be getting louder and LOUDER. It was almost like thunder, deep and rumbly. Then I realized it sounded like thunder . . . b e c au s e it wa s th under. W h i c h was getting clos e r. T he re wa s l ightn i n g too, and really heavy rain that was right above our tent. The storm was HUGE, and it didn’t take long for t h e te nt to b l ow away . AGH ! HELP! E veryone had to run to the car for cove r. T he s to rm la s ted a l l n ight long and everything we had got wet and muddy. Dad had pitched the tent RIGHT NEXT TO A STREAM! It flooded and all our stuff got soaked. Nobody slept at all. It was miserable. 21

Tom Gates Series Book Review | Common Sense Media Tom Gates Series Book Review | Common Sense Media

This story is about Tom Gates who is a 10 year old boy. He lives with his parents on Castle Road and goes to Oakfield School which is next to his house. He has an annoying big sister who goes to college. While a few nice messages are wrapped up in this tale, the book centers around one thing—silly fun. Tom is pretty normal for his age, and his mind wanders everywhere but in the responsible direction. He's a nice guy and simply tries to get through the chaos called life as best he can, which makes him easy to relate to. The situations he runs into come from daily life and reflect those which average kids will face. And while all of it seems dramatic at times, it's Tom's very honest, uncensored thoughts, which make it a hilarious read.

We’re also pleased to announce that James Patterson’s children’s series Middle School is now quizzed. The books tell the story of Rafe Khatchadorian’s struggle through Middle School. He subverts the school rules, dodges bullies, evades boredom and in the third book his sister takes centre stage as she follows in Rafe’s footsteps… but not too closely! A fouth book in the series will be published in the summer. I Funny, also by James Patterson, follows Jamie Grimm’s attempts to make a name in stand-up comedy.

Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (at some things)

To add the cherry on top of the cake, the books also promote consumerism and an unhealthy lifestyle. Big TVs, new clothes, BIG disco parties, high sugar food and drinks are always shown as desirable and even necessary. Book Genre: Academic, Childrens, Contemporary, Diary, Fiction, Humor, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, School, Young Adult

Then Derek comes over (he’s in Mrs. Worthington’s class, not mine, because we chat too much). I’ve seen him loads during t he s u mme r. (H i s h a i r h a s grown — h e hasn’t.) I show him my ideas and drawings for a band name. (He likes DOGZOMBIES best . . . me, too.) When Marcus Meldrew barges into our chat. . . . “What’s that?” “Ideas for our band.” “What band?” “Me and Derek are in a band, and we’re thinking of what to call ourselves.” “That’s easy.” “Really?” (Marcus has an idea.) 33 I'm a turtle On the way home, I see posters for my favorite band, , all over town. Even this doesn’t cheer me up. Derek does his best to make me laugh. But all I can think about is Amy calling me an idiot (harsh) and Marcus calling us losers. “Look on the bright side,” Derek says. But when I ask Derek what the bright side actually is . . . he doesn’t know. “It’s a saying.” Great. I’ll have to think of a way to make it up to Amy, which is not going to be easy. 40 A Mnd if that’s not bad enough, arcus SOMeldrew IS the most annoying boy in the whole sc h ool . H e i s nosy and thinks he knows everything. M arcus Meldrew is already annoying me. . . . He is looking over my shoulder while I’m writing this. He is s t i l l looking. . . . Sti l l loo king. . . . Y YOUes, MARCUS, I’m writing about 8