This book starts with a very funny 12 year old boy assessment of his family members. His humorous voice continues, if somewhat more subdued, when the action picks up. Easy to read, even though British, this juvenile (8-12 yrs) sci-fi book is imaginative and fun for anyone.

I've loved every book of his I've read and this one is no exception. But this is a book for kids. Jim and his older sister Becky have the usual brother sister teasing relationship, although she's grown a bit more antagonistic lately. So when she tells him she overhead teachers talking about shipping him off to a reform school, he's pretty sure she's teasing, but not absolutely sure. He talks to his best friend Charlie and the two decide to bug the teachers' staffroom to see if it's true. What they hear shocks them both. It would seem that two of the teachers have a secret language, but what is behind this. As the two boys investigate, things begin to get a bit scary for them, and when Charlie disappears Jim finds himself calling on Becky for assistance. Of course, as with all older sisters she comes through when it counts. With a great story, and great characters, this book is a winner all the way. There's a nice side story of Jim's dad and his struggle for meaning in his life, too.

not what you would expect from the first 8 or so chapters. Packed with fantasy so surreal that it almost made me laugh. One of the best books i've ever read.

A fun, quirky tale involving a pair of friends and an alien encounter. The British terminology makes it a bit different, but the humour transcends all boundaries.

If you like a fast-paced, quick read about evil aliens and smart kids, you've come to the right place. This one is funny at the same time that it's a bit scary. It also has some nicely gross things in it, like giant spiders and super-fast alien transport that makes people vomit.