L. Pichon

Dreams of rock stardom take the edge off embarrassing family activities in Tom’s fourth “homework diary” crammed with doodles and stories. After receiving the shock of a lifetime — seeing his big sister, Delia, without her sunglasses on — Tom is trying to gear himself up for sports day at school. It does not help that his dad is training for the parents’ race on that day — and plans to wear bizarre cycling shorts! Meanwhile, Tom’s band, DogZombies, is supposed to play in the school talent show, meaning they’d better start practicing — a lot. It might all be worth it, though, if the absolutely brilliant band DUDE3 appears as special guests!

Tom Gates: Genius Ideas (Mostly)

What could be better (or worse) than a class trip? Tom’s about to find out in this fifth wicked diary from his award-winning series. Since Tom forgets everything, it’s not surprising that he forgot all about the trip he’s supposed to go on with class 5F. It’s good that his family helps keep him on track (even, once in a while, his grumpy sister, Delia)! Luckily, there are loads of excellent things to do on the trip, like making rafts, eating snacks, and seeing some very weird creatures. That is, as long as Tom doesn’t get stuck in a group with anyone who snores or worse (looking at you, Marcus Meldrew!).

Tom Gates Is Absolutely Fantastic (at Some Things)

The top-selling U.K. series for middle-grade readers now crosses the pond! Meet Tom Gates. When his teachers don’t have their beady eyes on him, he likes to draw pictures and write about stuff, like last summer’s worst camping vacation ever (five merits!), or how much he hates sitting next to nosy Marcus Meldrew, the most annoying boy at school. All Tom really wants is to score tickets to see the best band ever, Dude3, when they come to town, and to impress Amy Porter, who is very nice and smart (but is currently ignoring him). Tom’s teachers think he is easily distracted and “lacks focus,” but that’s a bit harsh — can he help it if his grumpy big sister, Delia, made him late for school (again), or that last night’s homework had to be sacrificed to stave off a vicious dog attack? Master of excuses, creative storyteller, and middle-school comedian extraordinaire, Tom Gates is guaranteed to get kids turning the pages — and keep them laughing.

The Brilliant World of Tom Gates

After receiving the shock of a lifetime -- seeing his big sister, Delia, without her sunglasses on -- Tom is trying to gear himself up for sports day at school. It does not help that his dad is training for the parents' race on that day -- and plans to

Genius Ideas

No school for two whole weeks! Now Tom has plenty of time for the good stuff, like finding new ways (so many!) to annoy his big sister, Delia. Or watching TV and eating caramel candy. Or most important, band practice for DOGZOMBIES in his best friend

Excellent Excuses

What luck - more Tom Gates! Tom's dad wants to make a kite so they can go out together and get some fresh air. This would be okay with Tom if he had a dog, but that's just not going to happen. Tom's grumpy sister Delia is allergic to dogs! Tom has other things on his mind. The Rock Weekly Band Battle Audition is coming up, and Tom, Derek and Norman need some SERIOUS band practice. But Tom's not panicking because they have loads of time . . . time that passes quickly . . . time that runs out! Will Tom and his friends pull it together in time for the audition?

A Tiny Bit Lucky

Middle-school comedian, homework dodger, rock-star wannabe, master doodler—Tom Gates is back with two more episodes full of visual humor and kid appeal. Things are looking up for Tom Gates. The school dance is coming up, and his birthday, too! What could possibly put him in a bad mood? Well, the words math lesson, for one thing. And that annoying twit Marcus Meldrew at school. And Granny Mavis threatening to bake Tom’s birthday cake (carrots!). And the fact that nobody seems to be noticing the long list of birthday presents Tom has prominently displayed. Worst of all, can it be true that Tom’s dad has volunteered to deejay the school dance wearing the wacky costume from his new job?

L. Pichon

Books

Your next favorite book is out there