Fruitloops and Dipsticks

When Simone's new teacher mistakes her for a boy called Simon, the trouble really begins - and it doesn't stop! Simone is constantly getting into trouble, even though she doesn't mean to (most of the time). Fruitloops and Dipsticks is a laugh-out-loud coming-of-age novel about a tough (but sensitive) girl (who's pretending to be a boy) who comes to accept her family's - and her own - eccentricities, and learns a lot about life and love along the way. 'This is an extraordinarily good book. It's so rich; it's full of really strong characters and relationships - grandfather, mother, mother's new boyfriend, teacher, new classmates, first boyfriend/girlfriend - told through the eyes of a 12-year-old girl. Ulf Stark can do everything in just one sentence: happy and sad, dry and funny. Julia Marshall, publisher 'I love how this book is cheekily subversive and so good-hearted; it exactly captures how it feels to be twelve - when you realise that the adults in your life are a bit embarrassing and flawed (but you still need and love them), and you get your first crush (but are determined not to get all mushy about it). I really stand behind this book, and can't recommend it highly enough.
It's hilarious and absurd and completely realistic! I can't imagine anyone not loving it.' Jane Arthur, assistant publisher