Top of the Class (Nearly)
Brilliant World of Tom Gates Series
Top of the Class (Nearly) follows Tom as he runs for the school council and TRIES to be top of the class. As per usual things don’t quite go according to plan… If only Tom could follow his own TOP tips for being Top of the Class!
1. Stay awake in lessons (it helps.)
2. Don’t draw HILARIOUS pictures of your teachers.
3. AVOID the class bully to stay out of trouble.
4. Don’t let Mum and Dad write ANYTHING in your school planner.
5. Don’t let your grumpy sister Delia BOSS you around. (Technically not a school issue – but still important.)
About the Brilliant World of Tom Gates Series
Books in series order
- 1.The Brilliant World of Tom Gates(2011)
- 2.Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff)(2011)
- 3.Everything's Amazing (Sort Of)(2012)
- 4.Genius Ideas (Mostly)(2012)
- 5.Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (At Some Things)(2013)
- 6.Extra Special Treats (not)(2013)
- 7.A Tiny Bit Lucky(2014)
- 8.Yes! No (Maybe...)(2015)
- 9.Top of the Class (Nearly)(2015)
- 10.Super Good Skills (Almost...)(2016)
- 11.Dog Zombies Rule (For Now)(2016)
- 12.Family, Friends and Furry Creatures(2017)
- 13.Epic Adventure (Kind of)(2017)
- 14.Biscuits, Bands and Very Big Plans(2018)
- 15.What Monster?(2018)
- 16.Mega Make and Do (and Stories Too!)(2019)
- 17.Spectacular School Trip (Really.)(2019)
- 18.Ten Tremendous Tales(2021)
- 19.Random Acts of Fun(2021)
- 20.Happy to Help (Eventually)(2022)
- 21.Five Star Stories(2023)
- 22.Book of Everything(2023)
- 23.Tom Gates is Ha! Ha! Hilarious(2024)
- 24.Pesky Pets and Parties(2025)
- +Best Book Day Ever (So Far)(2013)
Reading age: 8+ years
This series should be read in order.
Tom Gates is the master of excuses for late homework: dog attacks; spilt water; and, lightning.
Written in diary form, Tom's exercise book is full of his doodles, cartoons, thoughts— and his amazing sense of humour! (As well as comments from his long-suffering teacher, Mr Fullerton.)
Smart, novel and laugh-out-loud funny, boys and girls aged 8+ are bound to enjoy this riotous illustrated series from award-winning author and illustrator, Liz Pichon.

