School is a big part of the Tom Gates universe, and is, of course, extremely relatable for children. The Beaky Maloneseries by Barry Hutchison and Katie Abey is even sillier, and Em Lynas' You Can't Make Me Go To Witch Schoolis full of anarchic magic and tons of laughs. Finally, there's always the fabulous Pamela Butchart, whose writing about school is spot on in terms of humour and observation. For more books about families which is a pity, as he’s desperate to impress Amy Porter, who sits next to him… Tom Gates Book 2: Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff) And the hours spent carefully cleaning cars with Derek are ruined overnight when a storm hits Oakfield Town, causing even MORE chaos.

Excellent Excuses comes second in the Tom Gates series. Tom is still struggling to be a good boy at school. He is trying to improve his grades and stay out of trouble, but his band, named DogZombies, takes most of his time. When he is not trying to build a successful band, Tom spends his time staring at Amy Porter. His crush on this girl continues to grow, and it is like Amy grows more beautiful every time Tom looks at her. After stressing over finding a good drummer for his band, Tom and his friend Derek are excited when they discover how good Norman is at it. Now they can play in public, and the boys already have some exciting performances lined up. Tom's family is a key element of his story, whether it's his Gran with her unusual cookery, his best friend next door or his annoying sister. Kids looking for a book they can relate to in terms of families could try Good Dog McTavishby Meg Rosoff, in which McTavish the dog takes a disorganised family in hand.Tom is excited about the upcoming school break. Two weeks of no school means that Tom can forget about classes and other irritating things about school like Marcus Meldrew. Tom knows that he will have loads of time to invent more ways to annoy his elder sister Delia during the break. On the downside, Tom will have to see a dentist during his break. He has a toothache that will not go, so a visit to the dentist is inevitable. There is also his sister and all her annoying habits. Marlowe, Sam (2023-06-28). "Review: Tom Gates at Richmond Theatre". ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on 2023-06-28 . Retrieved 2023-06-28. This quirky, funny, highly-illustrated, fiction series follows life’s ups and downs of chaotic but loveable Tom, Delia, his old sister, his parents and of course his best friend Derek and his arch enemy, Marcus. Written by award-winning author and illustrator Liz Pichon, Tom is a master of excuses (especially when it comes to homework), creative storyteller and doodler and middle-school comedian extraordinaire. Don’t let your grumpy sister Delia BOSS you around. (Technically not a school issue – but still important.)

Aged around 10 years old, Tom is the younger of the two children of Frank and Rita Gates, and the younger brother of Delia. [4] He attends Oakfield Primary School where he is in Mr Fullerman's Class 5F, under headmaster Mr Keen. Children in his class include Marcus Meldrew (who sits next to and consistently annoys Tom in class), and Amy Porter (who also sits next to Tom, but whom Tom hopes to impress). Also in his year at Oakfield is his best friend Derek Fingle, who also lives next door to him. Tom has a second neighbour, June Jones, that annoys Tom and dislikes his band. trouble is, every other kid in town keeps getting there before him! Tom Gates Book 20: Happy to Help (Eventually) Scotland, Screen (2021-05-10). "Catherine Tate and Mark Bonnar head voice cast for The Brilliant World of Tom Gates". Screen Scotland. Archived from the original on 2023-04-16 . Retrieved 2023-06-28.The first book in the series, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, was the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Scottish BAFTA for Entertainment. Tom and Derek are in a band called Dog Zombies, consisting of Tom on guitar, Derek on keyboard, and classmate Norman Watson on drums. Sky Kids welcomes the Brilliant World of Tom Gates from TG Entertainment". Sky. 8 July 2020. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021 . Retrieved 12 July 2021. Year 5 or 6 kids will love What Lexie Didby Emma Shevah, in which Lexie negotiates her way in a big Greek Cypriot family, while the books in the Nothing To See Here Hotelseries feature a hilarious family (complete with a troll gran in the attic) that run a hotel for monsters. For more funny books