by Eoin Colfer
First published 2001
Benny's life is turned upside down when his family moves from Ireland to Africa. With no hurling and hippie teachers, the only bright spot is the arrival of Omar, a mischievous local boy who speaks in TV catchphrases. As Benny and Omar's wisecracking friendship blossoms, they hatch a plan to liven up their boring new school and show the grown-ups a thing or two. In the end, Benny discovers that sometimes the best things in life come when you least expect them.
Genres: family-life, friendship, adventure, coming-of-age, contemporary, africa
Vibes: fast-paced, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Tunisia
288 pages · Paperback · Puffin Books