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Spud

By John van de Ruit
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Check link for latest rating. ( 7,259 ratings, 632 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Spud by John van de Ruit is a charming and humorous coming-of-age story set in South Africa during the early 1990s. It follows a young boy named John 'Spud' Milton as he navigates his first year at a prestigious all-boys boarding school. Through his often hilarious diary entries, we witness his misadventures, friendships, and the trials of fitting in while dealing with the complexities of adolescence.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're intrigued by the humorous misadventures of a boy navigating the challenges of boarding school. Set in South Africa during the early '90s, the story captures the awkwardness of growing up while facing hilarious situations and colourful characters, making it a delightful read for both children and adults who enjoy a blend of comedy and heartfelt moments.

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Apartheid is crumbling, Nelson Mandela has just been released from prison and thirteen-year-old Spud Milton is about to start his first year at an elite boys - only boarding school. Cursed with embarrassingly dysfunctional parents, a nutty granny and a dormitory full of strange characters, Spud has his hands full trying to adapt to his new home.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Meet thirteen-year-old John Spud Milton as he takes his first hilarious steps towards manhood in this wickedly funny, yet heart-warming debut novel.

It's 1990. Apartheid is crumbling, Nelson Mandela has just been released from prison, and thirteen-year-old Spud Milton is about to start his first year at an elite boys-only boarding school. Cursed with embarrassingly dysfunctional parents, a nutty granny, and a dormitory full of strange characters, Spud has his hands full trying to adapt to his new home.

With only his wits and his diary, he takes readers on a rowdy boarding school romp full of illegal midnight swims, catastrophic cricket matches, ghostbusting escapades, girls, and disastrous holidays.

South African comedian John van de Ruit invites the reader into the mind of a young boy whose eyes are being opened to love, friendship, and complete insanity!

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Spud by John van de Ruit has been praised for its humour, engaging pace, and keen observations. Reviewers highlight its laugh-out-loud moments and the effortless readability that makes it hard to put down. It is described as brilliantly funny, reflecting a nostalgic yet quirky look at school life.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141323565

Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 May 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 132.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 277g

Pages: 400

Collections

Children's Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational John van de Ruit Penguin Books Young Adult

About the Author

John van de Ruit was born in Durban, South Africa. He went to the University of Natal where he completed a Masters degree in Drama and Performance. Since 1998 he has been a professional actor, playwright and producer, winning numerous awards. Spud is his first novel.

Also by John van de Ruit

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  • Spud - The Madness Continues
    Spud - The Madness Continues introduces us to Spud, who is nearly 15 and navigating his second year at boarding school. Though no longer the youngest or smallest in his dorm, Spud's year is fraught with challenges, including women troubles, misguided late-night adventures, and excruciating family visits. Despite his dreams of a stage career lying in tatters after a disastrous...
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  • Spud: The Reunion
    Spud: The Reunion
    It is 2003 - ten years since Spud Milton's class of '93 matriculated and the boys went their separate ways. Despite their seemingly unbreakable bond, the Crazy Eight have not kept in touch. Or at least, not as far as Spud knows. When he receives an invitation from the school to attend the ten-year reunion weekend, Spud is determined to...
    By John van de Ruit
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  • Spud: Exit, Pursued by a Bear
    The final instalment of the hilariously funny life of young Spud Milton! Dare I say it... for the first time in my life I feel like I'm on a bit of a roll. Spud Milton is in his final year at boarding school. Now a prefect and on the cusp of adulthood, he thinks this may be his best year...
    By John van de Ruit
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    Sold Out
  • Spud - Learning to Fly
    The third instalment in the hilariously funny life of young Spud Milton. Warning - may cause frequent bouts of hysterical laughter...! Spud Milton (practically a man in most areas) is hoping for a smooth ride as he returns to boarding school as a senior. But instead, he finds his vindictive arch-enemy is back to taunt him and a garrulous new...
    By John van de Ruit
    Paperback
    Sold Out

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