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Pete Johnson began work as a flm critic for BBC Radio One, then became a teacher. He is the author of over forty books, including the bestselling How to Train Your Parents. Pete’s books have won various awards, including the Young Telegraph Award and the Brilliant Book Award, and have been translated into 24 languages. Also short-listed for Blue Peter Book Award. Read more about the author here.
Louis is back for his sixth speedily-paced comic quest, and this time he’s on a mission to set his comedy career on a more stellar trajectory. “I’ve only one talent,” Louis acknowledges. “Making people laugh. And I’ve dreamed of being a comedian since I was an amoeba.” Unfortunately, though, Louis’s slot on a popular vlog is curtailed when its hosts head to America to pursue bigger opportunities, so he and Maddy, his agent (and girlfriend) must seek new channels for his comic genius. Maddy’s irrepressible can-do confidence is an infectious joy throughout, not least when her unfailing support and invention leads them to track down (who they believe to be) the producer of a new talent show for young comedians. Needless to say, things never go quite to plan in Louis’s wonky world and he must conquer more than a few problems and misunderstandings before he gets his chance to shine. With lashings of laughs induced by Louis’s mindfulness-obsessed, cringe-inducing mum and dad (who misinterpret his pursuit of comic acclaim as a cry for help, and inadvertently go viral themselves), this riotously readable feast serves up an energetic, child-centred perspective on family life, friendship and following your dreams (hitches and all).
How many kids would like to be able to read minds? Imagine what it would be like to know whether your friend really likes you better than anyone else, or if the teacher is planning a surprise test. When Matt is bequeathed a strange crystal he’s amazed to discover it gives him the power to listen in on what people are thinking. At first it seems fantastic, but with superpowers come responsibilities and Matt has to learn – and quickly – when is a good time to engage in a bit of mind-reading, and when isn’t. Typical of Pete Johnson’s writing, this has an exciting, fast-moving plotline that will keep the pages turning, and Matt is a thoroughly recognisable character, even in this extraordinary situation. Great fun.
In a nutshell: non-stop laughs with Louis Pity poor Louis, things at home should be looking up now that his dad’s got a new job, but after a particularly disastrous parents’ evening, everything takes a turn for the really bad (for Louis anyway). His parents decide they need to spend more time with their children, to help them achieve more at school, which means no more guest appearances on Noah and Lily’s vlog for Louis. Fortunately, his girlfriend Maddy has a plan … Narrated by Louis at breakneck speed, packed with jokes and funny observations on contemporary teen life, this is super readable. One to recommend to fans of James Patterson’s I Funny series, which also stars a wannabe teen comic. ~ Andrea Reece A Piece of Passion from the Publisher about My Parents are Driving Me Crazy Louis is desperate to become a professional comedian, and at 13 he already has an agent, Maddy - also thirteen. With Maddy's help, Louis wins a spot in the final of the TV talent show Kids With Attitude. Everybody thinks he'll win, but when it comes to the big day, and Louis feels poorly, well - let's just say things don't go so well! But Pete Johnson's story is about much more than just his determination to achieve fame and fortune as a comedian. The backstory is that Louis's family is turned upside down when his dad loses his job and his mum has to get a full time job. Responsible for cleaning, cooking, and all sorts of unfamiliar household tasks, Dad finds this really tough. So does Louis, when his dad decides that since he's now at home more, the two of them can 'hang out' and be best friends! This is a hilarious story, that the "Wimpy Kid" generation will love, but parents too will warm to a touching tale of a family thrown into chaos, and of how they eventually find a way to get back on track. Highly recommended!
This is a hilarious story of dead fish, gorillas with bananas in their ears, poetry, cunning plans and highly legal documents (kind of). Oh and iPads, iPhones and vlogging of course. I’m sitting at home chortling away at How To Update Your Parents when Ben suddenly looks up from his gamepad and asks… ‘Whatcha reading Mum?’ ‘Oh just a book I’m reviewing.’ I say and carry on reading. Not long after he can’t help but come and take a peek. The cover alone is enticing and the title well… ‘Does it really tell you how to update your parents?’ And then I tell him it’s about a boy called Louis The Laugh who is really funny and all he wants to do is make as many people as possible laugh so he attempts to start his own comedy vlog. However his parents think he spends too much time ‘glued to a screen’ and have decided that their home should become totally device free. Louie of course thinks they’ve ‘totally lost the plot’. Oh the horror, the indignity! Yes, Louis and his younger brother Elliot are forced to return to ‘ye olden days’. The days when people would sit around the fire playing board games, take long walks and do jigsaw puzzles – all the time. ~ Shelley Fallows A Piece of Passion from the Editor How to Update Your Parents is the fourth instalment in the highly successful and popular Louis the Laugh series. Louis is an aspiring comedian and, with the help of girlfriend and ‘agent’, Maddy, he sets out to conquer the world of comedy using vlogs and social media. But there’s just one rather big problem – his parents have enforced a total ban on technology! This results in Louis’ hilarious attempts to get his parents to change their minds and to make them see the error of their ways.Will Louis convince his parents that social media and technology are good things after all? Or will Louis have to find another way to make his voice heard? You’ll have to read the book to find out!In an age where the issue of technology and social media addiction is becoming ever more topical and debated, How to Update Your Parents provides a fresh outlook on the subject and shows both sides of the argument in a thoroughly entertaining, non-judgmental, and hilarious way.
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 7 - In a Nutshell: love and laughs This witty comedy of modern manners will have young people snorting with laughter and quite possibly squirming with embarrassed recognition too. Poor Joe just can’t seem to get a girlfriend; they don’t like his cheesy chat-up lines – memorised from a website – and even his female best friend wants to stay just friends. A new online school dating site offers hope however and his sister and her super-cool boyfriend have all sorts of advice for Joe on ways to make himself more eligible. In the end though, it’s the old-fashioned approach that works. 21st century problems examined in an easy to read and revealing short novel! ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8+. Spencer is determined that he’ll stay exactly as he is when he turns 13. As he tells his diary, he wants nothing to do with the clothes, kit and attitudes that other teenagers adopt. But when his friend Zac turns 13 he suddenly buys himself a new image – complete with skateboard. Will Spencer be able to hold out against the trend? ~ Julia Eccleshare Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+ Without exception dyslexia-friendly books published by Barrington Stoke get off to an exciting start and maintain the impetus throughout, with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter. The plot is clear, the characters appealing and there are plenty of visual clues, as dyslexics like to run a story like a video in their heads. Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 8+ Hilarious sequel to Diary of an (Un)teenager, from the author of the best-selling How to Train Your Parents. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
The ups and downs of would-be comic Louis’s life make for highly amusing reading. Ups include first date with his friend/comedy agent Maddy, and forth-coming appearance on a TV talent show; downs are school, Mr Beach in particular, and Dad, newly redundant and therefore in Mum’s place at home, instituting cleaning rotas with missionary zeal. There is an up to Dad’s new role too: he’ll happily write Louis’s history essays for him, something Mum would never sanction! Pete Johnson is very good on ordinary family relationships, there’s lots that readers will recognise in this entertaining adolescent sit-com and real substance beneath the comedy. ~ Andrea Reece A Piece of Passion from the Publishers Louis is desperate to become a professional comedian, and at 13 he already has an agent, Maddy - also thirteen. With Maddy's help, Louis wins a spot in the final of the TV talent show Kids With Attitude. Everybody thinks he'll win, but when it comes to the big day, and Louis feels poorly, well - let's just say things don't go so well! But Pete Johnson's story is about much more than just his determination to achieve fame and fortune as a comedian. The backstory is that Louis's family is turned upside down when his dad loses his job and his mum has to get a full time job. Responsible for cleaning, cooking, and all sorts of unfamiliar household tasks, Dad finds this really tough. So does Louis, when his dad decides that since he's now at home more, the two of them can 'hang out' and be best friends! This is a hilarious story, that the "Wimpy Kid" generation will love, but parents too will warm to a touching tale of a family thrown into chaos, and of how they eventually find a way to get back on track. Highly recommended!
A humorous and perceptive tale exploring teen life. Luke defends his sister and ends up challenging the hardest boy in school to a fight! Will he survive the showdown? Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 7+ Pete Johnson brilliantly captures a moment in two teenagers lives as he gets under the skin of what the pressures they are under. ‘Just Chill’ – Lara’s motto propels Dominic on a wonderful six hours of fun when the pair walk out of an exam early. Having both feigned sickness for different reasons Dominic, nick-named the Nerd and Lara, the hottest girl in the class, find fun in sharing their very different but equally real problems as they enjoy a day off from the pressures of their lives. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+
Shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2013 Out of the blue, Louis’s parents ask for tips on being cool. At first Louis is amused and teaches his parents how to use lingo like ‘wicked’ and ‘sick,’ – until one day things go too far and in public too!...
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 7 Ben hates being a new boy. Even with a new hair cut and contact lenses instead of his usual glasses, he feels like a misfit. Until the girls start noticing him! Ben seems to attract admiring glances wherever he goes but is that only because they think he is the actor from a top TV show? Ben can’t see any problem with going along with their mistake but gradually, things begin to get a little out of control! An entertaining story about identity and confidence.
Marcus, Tallulah and Gracie are back in this final fast-paced, fun and frightening story in award-winning Pete Johnson's vampire series, following on from The Vampire Blog and The Vampire Hunters. The Vampire Fighters is the third installment in award-winning Pete Johnson's vampire series, and it is the funniest yet. These books are absolutely perfect for young readers who love spooky stories, but aren't quite ready to dive into the world of full-blown horror or paranormal romance just yet. Marcus is thirteen and dealing with all the problems a typical thirteen-year-old has (the embarrassment of parents, the mysteries of girls), and his self-deprecating, sarcastic take on all those things is hilarious enough. Then add to the mix the fact that he's secretly a half-vampire, and it all gets a lot more complicated.In this story, a seriously creepy Winter Fair has arrived in town, and a number of terrifying attacks have started happening. Somehow, Marcus gets roped into tracking down the culprit. All he wants is an easy life, but it looks like it's up to him to save the day . . . again! Click here for Vampire Fighters Classroom Notes and Blogging tips for Kids.
This is a new novel from award-winning author Pete Johnson that taps into the very current interest in vampires - done with Pete's humorous, accessible touch. Click here for book 1 in the series, The Vampire Blog. Click here for the last one, The Vampire Fighters.
Interest Age 11+ Reading Age 8+. Hilarious and much requested follow-up to the award-winning bestseller Diary of an (Un)Teenager. Perfect for reluctant or struggling teen readers as it's short, action packed with a real page-turning quality about it. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
Welcome to Spook School...where the pupils have bags of spirit! It's exam time at Spook School, and Charlie and Lewis's last exam is their toughest: they have to solve a baffling and very spooky mystery on Earth - in just twenty-four hours. A hotel is being plagued by terrible smells and peculiar scuttling noises, and all the terrified visitors are leaving. Soon Charlie and Lewis come face to face with the strangest monster yet, well not one but hundreds! This is the fourth in the Spook School series. Click here to view them all.
On his thirteenth birthday, Marcus Howlett is faced with a bombshell. His parents are half-vampire. And, although he hates the thought of it, he is about to become one too. But, as he secretly blogs about the horrors of his new fangs, bad breath and cravings for blood, Marcus is unaware that his life is in serious danger... Click here for Blogging tips for Kids and Classroom Notes for the last in the series, The Vampire Fighters. Click here to see the second book in the series, The Vampire Hunters. Click here for the third, The Vampire Fighters.
In this, the third spook school, Charlie and Lewis have been so successful in their Spook Squad assignments that it’s earned them a holiday on Earth but when they get there they find themselves on the trail of a very mysterious ghost. This is a fantastically humorous series from a widely admired children’s author who really knows how to get readers hooked on reading. With black and white illustrations throughout the series can’t fail to inspire.
In this the second in the series Charlie loves being a spook but his latest mission is his most baffling too because he must work out what a giant rat that’s haunting boys down on Earth is really up to. Charlie and his friend Lewis are in for a massive shock. This is a fantastically humorous series from a widely admired children’s author who really knows how to get readers hooked on reading. With black and white illustrations throughout the series can’t fail to inspire.
A fantastically humorous series from a widely admired children’s author who really knows how to get readers hooked on reading. With black and white illustrations throughout the series can’t fail to inspire. Dare you join Charlie and his friend Lewis in the Spook Squad on their very first mission, a mission to investigate Mothman, a terrifying creature with deadly claws, an even deadlier smell and a very bad temper.
Can Jamie deal with the trials of his annoying younger brother Harry? Harry’s younger but taller and seems to take delight in tormenting his older brother… But Jamie has a plan. Making a wish on his amazing cape, he turns Harry into a bluebottle, a suitable punishment he thinks for someone who is always buzzing about. The question is can Jamie turn him back?
This book definitely gets into the category of 'books you can't put down' and has therefore rightly been chosen as one of the Blue Peter Book Award 'Books I couldn't put down' 2007. It's a thriller but it's also full of humour; a funny and subversive look at school life and spy culture. Tasha, a girl obsessed with spies gets a tough time at school for being uncool and a big joke, until a new boy appears who says he IS a spy. But is he? Tasha is in for one hell of a shock.
School is possibly the most boring place on earth – or so Harvey thinks until he comes up with an original way of spicing things up. With bets running during lessons things certainly can be fun. Too much fun sometimes! How often will the Head blow his nose? Count the number of times the supply teacher twitches. And, do it all without the teachers getting suspicious. It’s a great craze but it could go seriously wrong.
Louis is back for his sixth speedily-paced comic quest, and this time he’s on a mission to set his comedy career on a more stellar trajectory. “I’ve only one talent,” Louis acknowledges. “Making people laugh. And I’ve dreamed of being a comedian since I was an amoeba.” Unfortunately, though, Louis’s slot on a popular vlog is curtailed when its hosts head to America to pursue bigger opportunities, so he and Maddy, his agent (and girlfriend) must seek new channels for his comic genius. Maddy’s irrepressible can-do confidence is an infectious joy throughout, not least when her unfailing support and invention leads them to track down (who they believe to be) the producer of a new talent show for young comedians. Needless to say, things never go quite to plan in Louis’s wonky world and he must conquer more than a few problems and misunderstandings before he gets his chance to shine. With lashings of laughs induced by Louis’s mindfulness-obsessed, cringe-inducing mum and dad (who misinterpret his pursuit of comic acclaim as a cry for help, and inadvertently go viral themselves), this riotously readable feast serves up an energetic, child-centred perspective on family life, friendship and following your dreams (hitches and all).
How many kids would like to be able to read minds? Imagine what it would be like to know whether your friend really likes you better than anyone else, or if the teacher is planning a surprise test. When Matt is bequeathed a strange crystal he’s amazed to discover it gives him the power to listen in on what people are thinking. At first it seems fantastic, but with superpowers come responsibilities and Matt has to learn – and quickly – when is a good time to engage in a bit of mind-reading, and when isn’t. Typical of Pete Johnson’s writing, this has an exciting, fast-moving plotline that will keep the pages turning, and Matt is a thoroughly recognisable character, even in this extraordinary situation. Great fun.
Harvey thinks school is the most boring place on earth - and so he and his friends devise a way to help relieve their boredom. Lessons are actually quite interesting when you have more at stake than just whether you'll get through it without being sent to the head. Harvey and his fellow gamblers start to bet on how many times the supply teacher will give a nervous twitch, how often the Head will blow his nose and lots of other possible outcomes. All of a sudden, school is fun - but then the gambling craze starts to spread and Harvey realises it's all getting out of control... A brilliant subversive look at classroom pranks and what goes on under the teacher's nose.
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