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TOP OF THE CLASS
Pete's
most popular books in schools
TRAITOR
Exciting thriller acclaimed for its anti-bullying themes. A highly popular class reader.
‘Pete Johnson’s skilfully written dialogue taking us into the story on the first page.’
The Bookseller
Book Club notes available on Traitor page.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PARENTS
Best-selling comedy about ‘parent fatigue,’ introduces Pete’s most popular character - Louis.
A highly popular class read.
‘Children who read it will chortle away, feel better about themselves and have lots of jokes to tell.’
The Sunday Times
THE GHOST DOG
Award-winning spooky tale about the power of imagination. A big favourite and great stimulus for creative writing.
‘An incredibly enjoyable book … from a very accomplished writer.’
Books for Keeps
HOW TO UPDATE YOUR PARENTS
Highly topical comedy about technology and social media addiction. Already proving a favourite with book groups.
‘How to Update your Parents provides a fresh outlook on the subject … in a thoroughly entertaining way.’
Lovereading4kids
DIARY OF AN (UN)TEENAGER
Brilliantly observed comedy about becoming a teenager. A highly popular class reader, great for reluctant readers.
‘This is a very promising look at the slightly uncomfortable transition phase between childhood and adolescence. A compelling read.’
Book Trust
TRUST ME, I'M A TROUBLEMAKER
Award-winning comedy about Archie, who thinks he’s too ‘mature’ for school. All the pupils find him unbearable especially Miranda, the class trouble-maker. Widely regarded as one of Pete’s best comedies.
‘This is a cleverly crafted, fast-flowing comedy and the more subtle lessons in growing up and trying to change people won’t be lost either.’
Carousel
AVENGER
Award-winning thriller about bullying – interesting follow-up to ‘Traitor.’ A gripping, challenging read.
‘This is a powerful tool for considering the causes of inadequacy and bullying and how bullies and their victims can both face them and conquer them.’
Book Trust
MY PARENTS ARE OUT OF CONTROL
What happens when your parents ask for tips about being cool? Much-loved Louis comedy – a big hit with pupils – and adults. Yields great discussions.
‘A brilliant look at family life today. A hilarious story which will appeal to boys and girls alike.’
Parents in Touch
Book Club notes available on ‘My Parents Are out of Control’ page.
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ABOVE: PETE AT AN EVENT ORGANISED BY THE CHORLEYWOOD BOOKSHOP
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHY THIS IS ONE OF PETE’S FAVOURITE BOOKSHOPS
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THE BOOK TRUST ASKS
WHAT TO READ AFTER ‘DIARY OF A WIMPY KID?’
Which books will provide ‘more fuel for their reading fire’?
Among the top suggestions – from NORFOLK EDUCATION AND LIBRARY SERVICE:
‘THE FUNNY BOOKS BY PETE JOHNSON’
HOORAY!
But which ONE would you recommend to read first?
Here are a few suggestions . . .
(click a cover to find out more) |
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STOP PRESS
MAGIC CRYSTAL IN DENMARK
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Top Danish Publisher, Flachs, has bought the translation rights to ‘MINDREADER:THE CRYSTAL.’ They thought it had ‘a great idea – a  crystal that can read minds’ – and also found it ‘very funny.’
‘It’s exciting,’ says Pete, ‘that the MindReader books have already found a home in Denmark – and with such a great publisher too.’
The three MindReader books have just been published in the United Kingdon. |
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FOLLOW THE FUNNY . . .
 ‘I had a fantastic time at the YLG (Youth Libraries Group) Conference,’ says Pete. ‘I was discussing humorous children’s books with top funny writers David Solomon and Dave Skelton, at an excellent event, expertly chaired by Anthony McGowan. Brilliant to meet so many dynamic librarians afterwards. They really are the best ambassadors for children’s books. Congratulations to Jake Hope and the YLG Team.’
Click here to read Pete's latest blog:
THE CHILDREN’S BOOKS WHICH STILL MAKE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD.
‘Pete Johnson’s ability to see into the minds of young people is reflected strongly . . . there’s plenty of humour in ‘How to Train your Parents,’ alongside strong emotional truth. It should be compulsory reading for parents as well as children.’
The Bookseller
See below for more about Pete’s ten funniest titles |
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WHAT’S HOT?
JUST OUT:
THE MINDREADER TRILOGY
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| ‘I HAVE A STRANGE, EERIE, SUPER POWER . . .’
Meet MATT – just an ordinary school boy, until he is left a crystal which enables him to read minds. Suddenly Matt knows what everyone is thinking!
The MINDREADER trilogy are comedy adventures with a good helping of fantasy, especially recommended for fans of all the Louis the Laugh books. |
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THE CRYSTAL
Matt’s crystal means he can read minds. At first he just fools about with his new super power – but then he has to save a life. Is Matt up to the challenge?
‘Pete Johnson’s books are fast paced and energetic.’
The Bookseller |
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SUPER HERO
Matt has a secret. He is an ordinary boy with a super power. He can read minds. But this time Matt’s powers are put to a real test. He will need to be extremely brave … but he knows he isn’t the least bit brave.
So can Matt ever be a true, super hero?
‘Pete Johnson grabs you from the first page.’
Sunday Express |
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GHOSTLY WHISPER
With the help of his crystal Matt can read minds. But one day he over-hears something extremely puzzling. Suddenly he and his friends are plunged into a big mystery. Then Matt receives a terrifying message. ‘YOU ARE IN GREAT DANGER...’
Dare you read on?
Another action-filled comedy adventure.
‘Pete Johnson’s books leave readers ravenous for more.’
Achuka |
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MINDREADER AND ME
by PETE JOHNSON |
| I was twelve years old and had a secret. I was lonely. I’d changed schools and hadn’t settled in at all. So I’d sit there daydreaming, that I had a quite different secret
I had a superpower.
 I didn’t have any doubt about which power it would be either. Let others be super-strong, or mega fast – I wanted to read minds. I’d spend many happy hours deciding how I would use this awesome gift. It made me feel less alone.
So it was a special pleasure to revisit my dream in the MindReader trilogy. The protagonist – twelve year old Matt – isn’t exactly me but let’s say we’re very close!
 I immersed myself in thinking about Matt and how he would use the crystal – the source of his mindreading. Questions danced about in my head. Would he ‘tune into’ his  friends? His closest friend (Emma)? His enemy (Finn)? And what about when he discovers a girl he hardly knows is about to run away from his school. Should he befriend her? Try and stop her? Is Matt like Spiderman, obliged to use his power to do good?
And what about when he ‘overhears’ something mysterious and chilling from a total stranger. Should he investigate further?
  I’ve always enjoyed what I call realistic fantasy. That is how I see the MindReader books. I enjoy the way the story isn’t confined to one genre. It’s a school story. It’s a comedy. It’s a mystery. And yes, a fantasy. I hope this makes the MindReader books different and fresh.
Matt is certainly challenged by his super power. But what I like best is how a magic crystal changes Matt in a good way – and makes him feel less alone.
Exactly as stories can do. |
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PETE JOHNSON’S BOOKS ARE FILLED WITH LAUGHTER
In September Pete spoke at The Youth Libraries Group Conference in Manchester on the subject of Funny Fiction and especially his five phenomenally popular LOUIS THE LAUGH books.
‘Pete has a great ear for comedy, using humour that really helps to engage even less keen or confident readers.’
Jake Hope, Chair of Youth Libraries Group
‘Pete Johnson is the unsung hero of entertaining writing that delights both the proficient and reluctant reader …. has you lauging in loud snorts just as you’re fighting tears of empathy.’
Ink Pellet
So to celebrate we highlight Pete’s . . .
TOP TEN FUNNIEST TITLES . . . |
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. . . THE LOUIS THE LAUGH BOOKS
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Louis has just one ambition – to be a comedian. His parents have other ideas! These fun-filled stories also have something to say about life today, as Louis and his parents disagree about everything, from homework to how much time he should spend on on his computer!
 ‘Louis is a boy who makes you laugh out loud.’ Sunday Times
‘Those Louis the Laugh books have got my eleven year old reading. She actually seems to be enjoying them.’ Amazon review
‘How to Train Your Parents’
Pete Johnson addresses big issues in a frank manner and with a light touch.’
Junior Education
 ‘My Parents Are Out Of Control’
‘Very funny. As a parent made me sympathetic with my children and what they have to put up with.’
Good Reads
‘My Parents Are Driving me Crazy’
‘Appeals to teens and tween-aged readers of both sexes and all reading ages.’
Good Reads
‘How to Update Your Parents’
‘A rip-roaring hilarious adventure.’
Book Trust
‘How to Fool Your Parents’
‘Packed with jokes and funny observations on contemporary teen life. This is super-readable.’
LoveReading4Kids
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. . . SPENCER THE (UN) TEENAGER
Next to Louis the Laugh, Pete’s most popular character is Spencer, who likes his life exactly as it is. And when he turns thirteen he decides to take a stand and promises he will never turn into a teenager.
No, he will stay an ‘Unteenager’ forever!
‘I think it will be hard to find a reader who couldn’t relate to even a tiny bit of Spencer’s story. So it’s a book for everyone who is going or gone through the teenage years.’
Nayu’s Reading Corner
‘Diary of an (Un)Teenager’
’I was so chuffed that my twelve year old couldn’t put this down … this household loves Pete Johnson.’
Amazon Review
‘Return of the (Un)Teenager’
‘Definitely another winner from Pete Johnson.’
Bookworm |
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. . . AWARD WINNERS
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‘Trust me I’m a Troublemaker’
‘A lovely, funny book which explores the ideas of misfits and labelling people in a wonderfully funny way.’
School Librarian
‘Help I’m a Classroom Gambler’
‘Really funny, clever, exciting and completely draws the reader in.’
Supernanny
‘The Vampire Blog’
‘It’s the dialogue that really sparkles – Perfect.’
The Book Bag
‘There’s something about this book that I really loved.’
Good Reads
As Louis the Laugh says, ‘SMILE ON . . . AND ON.’
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"It was a fabulous event – my best ever launch." Click here for Pete's blog about the launch of ‘MY PARENTS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY’ at The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. |
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Pete’s all-time favourite children’s book is ‘101 Dalmatians’ by Dodie Smith, so he is delighted to have his picture taken at The Spotted Dog in Flamstead.
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