Tom Gates - Genius Ideas (mostly) by L. Pichon

Scholastic, 2012. ISBN 978 1407 13450 5.
(Age: 10+) This book is a light-hearted story, told from young Tom's point of view. A point of view that is hilarious at times, and by page 22, the reader will have met a crazy looking sister and a dad in tight blue bicycling shorts! Embarrassing!
The author, L. Pichon, uses descriptive text and black and white illustrations to keep the reader engaged and the easy to read language will keep any 10year+, independent reader happy. It is aimed at boys but girls who have enjoyed books like The Loser List and Diary of a Wimpy Kid will enjoy this comical look at the events in Tom's life.
Tom Gates - Genius Ideas mostly is almost like a diary, with Tom offering his opinions on his daily activities. He faces the same problems faced by many children which will help readers relate to Tom's character. To me, the main theme of the story is how Tom sees the world and how he'll survive what is going on rather than a definite plot with a resolution. It is this point of view and the crazy illustrations that made it a pleasure to read, even for me. (Kids will love the instructions on how to make a paper banger and the bug flipbook, another bonus!)
Kylie Kempster