Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (at some things)

Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (at some things) by L. Pichon (Scholastic UK)
PB RRP $15.99
ISBN 978-1-407134-51-2
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Tom Gates is back. This time he has an exciting school excursion coming up. That is, if he can find his form, remember to take it home to be signed, and then remember to bring it back to school again.

In the meantime, who is the girl who keeps appearing next door pulling faces at him? Why is he the one who always get caught when he pulls one back? And why is his sister Delia acting so secretive? Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (at some things) answers these questions and many more.

This is an amusing story about the relatively normal life of Tom and his friends. He has embarrassing parents, an annoying sister, boring teachers and loyal friends. The stories which make up Tom’s life roll from one event to the next with dry wit, loads of funny pictures and an early teen sense of humour. The school excursion (a three day camp) provides many chances for Tom and his friends to get caught in unintentional escapades.

This is a great read for the middle school age. Boys will enjoy the humour of the Tom Gates books. They should also relate to aspects of the characters and the situations Tom and his gang find themselves in.