Ribblestrop Award-winning author by Andy Mulligan (author) (UK edition)

What with roofless dormitories, distracted teachers and a lethally dangerous underground labyrinth, Ribblestrop’s visionary headmaster is out of his depth even before the pupils arrive. And when they do – what a bunch! There’s Sanchez, a Colombian gangster’s son hiding out from kidnappers; Millie, an excluded arsonist and self-confessed wild child; Caspar, the landlady’s spoiled grandson; plus the helpful but hapless Sam and his best friend Ruskin. As well as a handful of overseas orphans who are happy just to have beds, even if they are located in the roofless part of the building. All that, plus terrifying secret experiments in the underground tunnels, and a school motto that says Life is Dangerous. Anything can happen – and anything does!

“Disgracefully dangerous high-octane fun of the highest order: an outrageous delight.” Philip Ardagh, Guardian

“I can well see this book being the turning point in someone’s reading career, where they engage with the chutzpah, the bravura oddness… For them it will only be a five star delight.” Bookbag

“Masterful knockabout humour….the book bulges with irreverent fun and incident.” Irish Times