Pig City by Louis Sachar

This book was a delight to read from the author of Holes but nothing like it at all.

It is a school story about students of a year 6 class who form a secret club. Lead by Laura who acquires a hat with the words Pig City written on the front, the students form the Pig City club. Each student is sworn to secrecy and to be sure they keep the secret they each leave an embarrassing secret in the club treasure chest. Should anyone spill the beans then the secret will be exposed to the whole class. Friends fall out, misunderstandings are rife and a cunning teacher becomes involved.

Superbly written, with the dialogue between the students right on the nail. I haven't read many stories like this about relations between boys and girls that is as enjoyable, perceptive and as funny as this book.

It will appeal to middle and intermediate school students and would make a great read-a-loud for the same classes.

Published by Bloomsbury (2009)