'This is a story of friendship with the cleverest of plot twists, and descriptions so vivid you can feel the heat of Stanley's desert prison burning off the page. A total must-read' The Times 'Totally absorbing and beautifully written' The Bookseller

There was a terrible mistake. Wayside School was supposed to have been built with thirty classrooms all next to each other in a row. Instead, it was built with the thirty classrooms all on top of each other - thirty stories high! That may be why all kinds of strange stuff happens at Wayside School - especially on the thirteenth floor.

Bradley Chalker is the oldest child in the class. He tells enormous lies and the teachers say he has serious behaviour problems. No one likes him - except Carla, the school counsellor. She thinks Bradley is sensitive and generous, and she even enjoys his far-fetched stories. Carla knows that Bradley could change, if only he weren't afraid to try.

David was only trying to be cool when he helped some other boys steal an old lady's cane. But when the plan backfires, he is the one whom she 'curses'. Now David can't seem to do anything right. But is this the curse at work or is David turning into a total loser?

Roy Eberhardt has recently, and unhappily, arrived in Florida. Roy's family moves a lot so he's used to the new-kid drill - and to bullies like Dana Matherson. Anyway, it's because of Dana that Roy gets to see the mysterious running boy. Suddenly life in Florida is looking up.

Petra and Calder live in a neighbourhood where strange things have started to happen. Seemingly unrelated events connect, a sharp old woman seeks their company - and a priceless Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two children are drawn into an international art sensation where no one is above suspicion.