Tom Gates: Top of the class (nearly) by Liz Pichon

Scholastic, 2015. ISBN 9781760155285
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. Themes: Humour; School; Friendship. Tom Gates is up to his usual mayhem in this latest book from Liz Pichon. His tendencies to get into trouble deliberately and by accident are evident again in Book 9 of the Tom Gates series. With the help of his friends, he misses out on being in serious trouble with his teacher, but is seriously at risk from the school bully. Tom is charmingly disarming as he draws and doodles his way into and out of trouble before the Big School Test and the School Council elections. The chance of being top of the Class is a dream, but the after school Catch-up Class might help if only he can avoid getting into more trouble with his teachers!
Those children who have been charmed by Tom Gates (and his quirky cartoon illustrations - thanks to Liz Pichon) will be enamoured with this latest adventure. The school and family dilemmas are simple and age appropriate and a sense of fun is infused throughout the book. Liz Pichon has totally targeted her audience again with a winning formula for success. They will love this humourous journey into Tom's life and misadventures.
Carolyn Hull