A boy who fights with his school mates, and makes it difficult for anyone to like him, learns how to be accepted. This hilarious yet moving story bears all the classic hallmarks of a Sachar novel pace, humour, modernity and sensitivity.

"Give me a dollar or I'll spit on you." That's Bradley Chalkers for you. He's the oldest in his class, he tells enormous lies, he picks fights with girls, and teachers say he has "serious behaviour problems."

No - one likes him - except Carla, the new school counsellor. She thinks Bradley is sensitive and generous, and she even enjoys his far - fetched stories. Carla knows that Bradley could change, if only he weren't afraid to try...

A story of isolation, bravery and gradual acceptance told with great humour by Louis Sachar, the author of the brilliant Holes.