Arthur Bean is no shrinking violet. The exceptionally bright 13-year-old boastfully broadcasts his extraordinary abilities, especially his outstanding literary talents. If you think he sounds like a challenging personality, you’d be right. He has one friend and is too blunt and tactless to make any new ones.

However, you’ll find yourself laughing out loud while reading Arthur’s funny, upbeat story. And that’s surprising given that he’s recently lost his mum. But what’s most unusual (and wonderfully refreshing) about this story is its lack of traditional narrative. Arthur’s life is revealed through his schoolwork: assignments, revealing essays, poems, cartoons and drawings; emails to and from students and teachers; and his reading journal, in which he confides all.

This is an incredibly funny and bittersweet story, exploring big themes including identity, friendship, discovering tolerance and making sense of loss.

Highly recommended for ages 9 and up.

Athina Clarke is from Readings Malvern.