The Frighteners

The latest creepy thriller from the bestselling author of THE GHOST DOG

Pete Johnson has proved himself time and time again to be an author of exceptional talents and his stories cover a wide array of topics and issues in a sensitive, humorous and down-to-earth style that children and teenagers can easily identify with

Pete Johnson is a master storyteller of hair-raising ghost stories and he captures the moods and concerns of teenagers perfectly. Readers will live the experience, feel the shocks and scares but ultimately they will also learn about themselves and their world

PETE JOHNSON began work as a film critic for Radio One, then became a teacher. His experiences in the classroom inspired him to write his first book for children, and he still keeps contact with a panel of young readers to gain their viewpoint as he writes. He is the author of over forty books, including the bestselling How To Train Your Parents. Pete’s books have won various awards, including the Young Telegraph Award and the Brilliant Book Award, and have been translated into twenty-three languages. He lives in St Albans.

On the back of the picture were two words which jumped right out at me: THE FRIGHTENERS... 
 
When Chloe starts at a new school, she gets off to a really bad start and no-one wants to be her friend - except Aidan. But everyone else seems scared of Aidan - scared of the pictures he draws. Chloe can't imagine why until she picks up one of his drawings of 'The Frighteners'. For now the Frighteners - horrifying monstrous creatures - won't leave her alone...

The Bad Spy's Guide

A funny and subversive look at school life and spy culture from the hilarious Pete Johnson.

Fiendishly cunning and cleverly observed, Pete Johnson brings fresh flavour and gives food for thought to the common staple of the teen spy novel

MY TRUE IDENTITY . . . SPELLS DANGER! 
 
Everyone thinks Tasha is a big joke because she is OBSESSED with spies. But when Henry, the new boy at school, accidentally MIXES up his notebook with hers, Tasha has breathed her LAST EVER bit of dull air. Henry tells her he is a TEENAGE SPY. And that he needs to use her room for surveillance on his latest TARGETS. 
 
Tasha is just THRILLED to discover that her neighbours are enemy agents. And her new life of spying, gadgets and sneaking around is really cool. But is Henry all he claims to be? Or could he be stretching the TRUTH? 
 
Tasha's doubts grow. . .and then she receives an incredible shock . . .

Ghost Trouble

A very spooky story . . . A compulsive read. Not for the faint-hearted

Pete Johnson brings us a story that is scary and spooky, with a ghostly apparition seeking horrible revenge. Readers will love it

A haunting and captivating read which will keep you hooked to the end

Two terrifying tales from the award-winning Pete Johnson 
 
The Ghost Dog 
Daniel's story about a bloodthirsty dog goes down well at a spooky party. But then somehow his imagination comes to life and the howling monster begins to haunt his dreams! 
Winner of the Young Telegraph/Fully Booked Award 
 
The Creeper 
Lucy finds an old tape of the spine-chilling story of the Creeper - a horrific creature looking for revenge. Lucy knows she has just done something terrible - will the Creeper track her down? 
Winner of the Stockton Children's Book Award

The Creeper

A new tale of menace and imagination  from the author of the award-winning The Ghost Dog.

Pete Johnson bringsus a story that is scary and spooky, with a ghostly apparition seeking horrible revenge. Readers will love it

Explores the subtle power of the imagination

Remember, you may not see me, but I shall be there... watching. You cannot hide from the Creeper... 
Lucy is delighted when she spots the old audio tape in a second-hand bookshop: a spooky story, perfect for listening to at Halloween. But then she and her friend Jack listen to the tape, and Lucy is suddenly really scared. For the story tells the terrifying tale of the Creeper, a horrific creature formed from the ashes of a murdered man and bent on revenge against all wrongdoers. And Lucy has just done something truly terrible to her best friend. Now the Creeper is loose - and he has a new victim...

Rescuing Dad

Two children attempt to reconcile their mum and dad, with hilarious consequences.

Pete Johnson's novel is funny and light but the humour disguises real emotional truth and depth . . . It offers some very funny and pertinent home truths for parents too

A funny, positive and engaging exploration of a modern dilemma from a sure-footed storyteller

Children are often the victims when a marriage falters or fails and in Rescuing Dad, Pete Johnson illuminates this distressing reality with the perception humour which is a trademark of his work . . . The events of Joe's birthday are as fine a piece of slapstick comedy as I have read

Pete Johnson has succeeded in presenting a sensitive subject in a light-hearted way without detracting from its seriousness

Joe and Claire can see why Mum chucked Dad out. He looks a mess, he can't cook and he's useless around the house. Something must be done: they're the only ones who can help transform him into 'Dad Mark Two'. And when they unveil this new, improved dad, Mum will be so impressed she'll take him back on the spot! 
 
But then disaster strikes - Mum starts seeing the slimy and creepy Roger. And Joe and Claire's plans take an unexpected turn - with hilarious results.

Eyes Of The Alien

A shivery supernatural tale about a boy who is obsessed with aliens . . .

Sam and Freddie, both fostered with the same family, are best friends. Sam even laughs at Freddie's jokes! But after Sam has an accident and knocks herself unconscious, she begins to have weird nightmares about a sinister figure with huge eyes - alien eyes. Freddie, who thinks he knows everything there is to know about extra-terrestrials, jokes that aliens must be after Sam - trying to contact her. But it's just his imagination, isn't it? Until they see the spaceship . . .

The Vampire Bewitched

Marcus, Tallulah and Gracie are back in the final fast-paced, fun and frightening story of award-winning Pete Johnson's vampire series.

Marcus isn't an ordinary thirteen-year-old. He has an amazing secret: he's a half-vampire, with incredible special powers. And together with his friends Tallulah and Gracie, he hunts and fights a totally evil enemy: the deadly vampires, who are out to destroy all humans and half-vampires. 
 
But something strange has happened to Marcus. He's lost his memory, and can't remember anything about his previous life as a vampire hunter. Tallulah and Gracie are seriously worried. They think his amnesia is very suspicious and sinister - and might have something to do with the weird new horror shop that's just opened up in town . . .

My Parents Are Out Of Control

The hilarious sequel to HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PARENTS, shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.

Louis the Laugh, who readers may have met before in How To Train Your Parents, flunks exams and wants to be a comedian. In My Parents Are Out Of Control, his mother and father, who are pushy at heart, decide they need to be cooler. It all escalates horribly, via slapstick and farce, until sense prevails

Glowing with Pete Johnson’s trademark warmth and good humour, this is a not to be missed novel with wickedly sharp, perfectly timed writing

Very funny . . . Reminded me very much of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole

Louis doesn't think much of it when his mum and dad ask him for tips on how to be cool. In fact, he thinks it's pretty funny watching them bump fists and use words like 'safe', 'sick' and 'wicked'. Until Dad turns up outside Louis's new school dressed like a rapper, that is . . . 
 
Suddenly they're trying to friend Louis and all his classmates on Facebook, and wearing baseball caps backwards - IN PUBLIC. Louis and his best friend Maddy are horrified. Mum and Dad have taken things too far . . . and immediate action is needed!

The Vampire Fighters

Life has never been more complicated for thirteen-year-old Marcus. It's not easy trying to hide your secret identity as a half-vampire, avoid garlic at all costs, AND work up the courage to ask a girl out. Especially when that girl is vampire-crazy Tallulah. 
 
Plus, Marcus's parents are still convinced his special power is going to arrive any day now. And they're trying not to show their disappointment every time another day passes and it doesn't appear - but Marcus is totally feeling the pressure. 
 
As if that wasn't bad enough, a seriously creepy Winter Fair has arrived in town - and a number of terrifying attacks have started happening. Giles believes a super-evil sect of Deadly Vampires is behind them, and Marcus suspects an eerie ventriloquist at the Fair. 
 
All Marcus wants is an easy life. But now it's up to him to save the day . . .

My Friend's A Werewolf

From the award-winning author of The Ghost Dog comes another compellingly spooky tale . . .

Has the tension, the fear of the unknown plus a gradual build-up to a climax typical of the genre, yet that climax is not only griping but both unexpected and convincing . . . A really compelling tale

Pete Johnson is a master storyteller of hair-raising ghost stories

Now I know for certain Simon is a werewolf! 
 
Kelly always thought werewolves only existed in stories and late-night films. Until Simon moves in next door. Kelly and Simon become instant friends, but Kelly just can't help noticing that there's something very odd about her new friend. For one thing, he wears black gloves all the time - even at school. And could that be hair starting to sprout on his face? Last, but definitely not least, there's the howling at night . . . 
 
Aren't werewolves . . . dangerous?

The Phantom Thief

A gripping ghost story from the author of The Ghost Dog and My Friend's a Werewolf.

Some chilling moments . . . An emotional framework beyond the supernatural without being too frightening

Highly ingenious and intriguing . . . A clear, lively style, well-caught speech and a deep understanding of the way children think and feel make this a worthy successor to such novels as The Ghost Dog and My Friend's a Werewolf. Which means it will be very popular and a certainty for every library

You are in danger. 
 
The first time Alfie sees the boy, he appears as if from nowhere in the school detention room - the 'padded cell'. There's something odd about him and Alfie is definitely not pleased when he realises the boy has nicked his new jacket. But a ghost? His new friend Sarah is convinced - so convinced she is prepared to ghost-watch with him. 
 
That's when the warning message appears, scratched out on the blackboard by a phantom hand . . .

The Vampire Hunters

A new novel from award-winning author Pete Johnson that taps into the very of-the-moment interest in the supernatural and vampires - done with Pete's humorous, accessible touch.

It's a light-hearted, quick-paced read that is perfect for teens and tweens, but that I even enjoyed myself as a grown-up! It's a great mixture of excitement, humour and slightly scary bits but nothing at all that will give younger readers nightmares

The structure . . . allows for both rapid page turning to find out what happens next, as well as making it very easy to put down and come back to later. . . . As with many of Pete's other books, the stand out element of his writing is the humour

Nicely woven into this adventure story is an excellent treatment of the interaction between boys and girls during their formative years

The Vampire Hunters is another fantastically written book by Pete Johnson. Packed full of adventure, laughs, intriguing characters and a little bit of blood, this is a must read!

Pete Johnson's signature sense of humour is back in force in this book. . . . I cannot recommend The Vampire Hunters enough. It is a an absolute delight to read, and it ticks all the right boxes for its targeted audience: exciting, funny, a bit scary, current

Enough twists and turns to make the story unpredictable and compelling

Witty and funny and exciting, just like the first book. Marcus made a great narrator again . . . It was really intriguing and I think many kids would be hooked on this series of books

Absolutely unputdownable. I raced through it, it was so addictive and I enjoyed every minute of it. I didn't want it to end! I can't recommend this series enough! Read it, then give it to any child you know . . . and then let me know, did YOU guess the ending, or am I the only idiot who didn't?!

On my thirteenth birthday, my life changed for ever. That's when I learned the shocking truth: I'm a half-vampire. 
Think that sounds cool? Think again! I've been attacked by an evil vampire bat, had huge cravings for my best friend's blood, and nearly died from eating a pizza (half-vampires aren't great with garlic). Writing my secret blog is the only thing that's kept me from going completely crazy. 
As if life couldn't get any more complicated, there have been some vicious attacks in the local woods. Vampire-mad Tallulah (definitely not my girlfriend) thinks a super-vampire is behind them - and she's desperate to prove it, with a mysterious chain that's supposed to glow red-hot when a vampire is close by. 
And I have a horrible feeling that the chain's going to turn red-hot any day now . . . 
 
A new novel from award-winning author Pete Johnson that taps into the very current interest in vampires - done with Pete's humorous, accessible touch.

The Vampire Blog

A new novel from award-winning author Pete Johnson that taps into the very of-the-moment interest in the supernatural and vampires done with Pete's humorous, accessible touch.

Johnson's tween characters are always wry, ironic and dry, cracking jokes that their parents often miss but their readers notice with glee. . . . This is not to say that the horror element is completely window dressing - The Vampire Blog builds some real tension with the threat to Marcus, and there are some creepy scenes in the woods and some gruesome scenes with a goodly dollop of fangly terror. Perfect

Pete Johnson's modern tale consists of Marcus' online blog in which he discusses his extraordinary discovery and the chilling events that ensue!

Once again award winning Pete Johnson has produced an accessible, amusing and enjoyable story

Marcus was convinced that vampires didn't exist. He was very wrong . . . 
 
On his thirteenth birthday, Marcus Howlett is faced with a bombshell. His parents are half-vampire. And, although he hates the thought of it, he is about to become one too. 
 
But, as he secretly blogs about the horrors of his new fangs, bad breath and cravings for blood, Marcus is unaware that his life is in serious danger . . .

The TV Time Travellers

A fun, contemporary take on  reality television - with a WW2 theme - by award winning author, Pete Johnson.

The emotional landscape is immediately familiar, the subject is popular and contemporary, and the writing is energetic, vivid and accessible

Johnson cleverly exploits contemporary themes of reality TV and "celebrity" obsession, whilst sensitively exposing, en route, the many emotions facing young children today

Another great, humorous book from critically acclaimed Pete Johnson . . . an exciting story perfect for boys and girls aged eleven and over

Full of surprises so you don't really know where it is heading, but can't wait to find out

A book written with a pleasing directness and a sureness which carry it along, buoyed up by a strong imagination which persuades and then takes you where you least expect to go. A definite winner

Zac and Izzy win a place on a new reality TV show, but they have no idea where they're going or what to expect . . . 
They must live as if it's 1939, the start of World War Two. One by one they will be voted out by the viewing public. It's a hard life and, since each contestant is desperate to be the final winner, there are problems. When the live final arrives, the contestants and the audience will all be stunned by what occurs . . .

How to Get Famous

A hilarious take on the cult of celebrity from the author of the bestselling How to Train Your Parents

This is a thoroughly good-hearted and entertaining book, with lots of humour and witty dialogue . . . Fun and funny - a throughly enjoyable read

Pete Johnson is one of our best contemporary children's humourists

At heart, it celebrates the good and you can't help feeling enormous affection for Tobey

Tobey is determined he will be famous. He's not big-headed, he just knows he's got something special and he's determined that everyone will know it! He even hangs around with the stars, getting autographs at film premieres. 
 
Tobey and his friend Georgia audition for a role in the local play - and to his huge disappointment, Georgia gets a part, but he doesn't. Can he turn this tragedy around and find a way to be famous after all?

Phantom Fear

Two fantastically spooky tales from an award-winning author in one super-value edition.

Just the thing for a dark, winter's night!

THE PHANTOM THIEF 
The first time Alfie sees the boy, he appears as if from nowhere in the school detention room - the 'padded cell'. There's something odd about him and Alfie is definitely not pleased when he realizes the boy has nicked his new jacket. But a ghost? That's what his new friend Sarah thinks - and she's so convinced she's prepared to ghost-watch with him. 
 
That's when the warning message appears, scratched out on the blackboard by a phantom hand.... 
 
MY FRIEND'S A WEREWOLF 
Kelly always thought werewolves only existed in stories and late-night films. Until Simon moves in next door. Could that be hair beginning to sprout on his face? Why does he wear black gloves all the time - even to school? Last, but definitely not least, there's the howling at night . . . Aren't werewolves . . . dangerous?

Trust Me, I'm A Troublemaker

A lively, funny, contemporary tale of troublesome children, from the ever-popular Pete Johnson

Pete Johnson [is] one of our best contemporary children's humourists

A cleverly crafed fast-flowing comedy and the more subtle lessons in growing up and trying to change people won't be lost either

A lovely, funny book which explores the ideas of misfits and labelling people in a wonderfully entertaining way

Full of comedy, this book has a light touch that can be so difficult to acheive

Archie is a very mature child - some would say far too mature! Having grown up with his gran, he seems to have acquired some adult ways - and the kids at his new school find them unbearable. Especially Miranda - the class troublemaker. At first she absolutely can't stand Archie but then she starts to see him as a bit of a project- could she really make Archie into a Troublemaker Extraordinaire? Their unlikely friendship really gets going when Archie needs help to scare off his dad's new girlfriend...

Avenger

A thrilling tale of revenge and forgiveness from the ever-popular Pete Johnson

Gareth is a most convincing character, his struggles plain to see

There is excitement enough here to make the path towards wisdom an appealing one to a young reader

The story does go along at a lick and keeps you turning pages

Gareth has never been the most popular boy at school, but he's always done all right. Things seem to look up when he befriends Jake, the new boy who's full of exciting tales about film premieres and life in London - but when Gareth is caught doing an impression of Jake's faux-cockney accent, things turn very bad. Jake is furious and determined to have his revenge on Gareth, He wants Gareth out of the school and turns all the other kids against him. Gareth has to draw on the memory of his beloved Grandad - and on Grandad's wrestler alter-ego Avenger in order to fight back against Jake. But is Jake really the opponent he seems to be?

How To Train Your Parents

A lively, funny, contemporary tale of a boy who is fed up with his hyper-competitive parents.

There is a moral here for any parent who frets about a child's progress at school . . . Children who read it won't be turned into hostile monsters; they'll chortle away, feel better about themselves and have a lot of jokes to tell you

Johnson's comic romp through a miserable school year in the life of almost 13-year-old Louis touches all the real bases of adolescent boys' lives: girls, parents, TV, comedy

Johnson addresses big issues in a frank manner and with a light touch resulting in a book that both children and parents should read

Written with humour and plenty of attitude, this witty book firmly puts the power in the hands of the children

Moving to a new area and a new school, Louis is horrified to discover his parents changing into ultra-competitive parents, wanting him and his younger brother to get straight As at school and join all sorts of after-school clubs and activities like the other kids in the area. Suddenly Louis's life is no longer his own - until he meets Maddy, who claims to have trained her parents to ignore her- But does Louis really want to be ignored? A truly contemporary tale with characters kids will recognize instantly!

Traitor

A topical tale about three kids whose friendship comes under strain when they become the victims of a gang of bullies

Pete Johnson's skilfully written dialogue takes us into the story on the first page and gives the book a strong sense of immediacy and truth. There is a real menace here, and the accessible story offers food for thought - not easy answers

Tom, Mia and Oliver are the victims of a gang of bullies - who waylay them on the way home from school.  It's not at school, so the teachers wouldn't be able to help, and they don't want to tell their parents, so there's only one option - to pay up.  At first.  But as the pressure builds more and more, a terrible suspicion begins to surface: could one of the three friends be helping the bullies?  And if so, just who is... the traitor?

Pete Johnson

A hilarious school story with lots of laughs and a meaty message

Help! I'm a Classroom Gambler displays Pete Johnson's characteristic wit and strong-hold over capturing both the politics and demotic of the classroom . . . The constituent parts of this novel make for a real romp of a read that will leave readers ravenous for more by Pete Johnson

Wonderfully subversive . . . Johnson's own experience as a teacher gives this story of classroom mayhem an extra edge . . . Really funny, clever, exciting and completely draws the reader in

Every pre-teen knows that school can be a bit of a bore and Pete Johnson exploits this to the full with a brillant look at what pupils get up to right under teacher's nose - and how they can make amends when it all goes too far

Harvey thinks school is the most boring place on earth - and so he and his friends devise a way to help relieve their boredom. Lessons are actually quite interesting when you have more at stake than just whether you'll get through it without being sent to the head. Harvey and his fellow gamblers start to bet on how many times the supply teacher will give a nervous twitch, how often the Head will blow his nose and lots of other possible outcomes. All of a sudden, school is fun - but then the gambling craze starts to spread and Harvey realises it's all getting out of control... 
A brilliant subversive look at classroom pranks and what goes on under the teacher's nose.

Help! I'm a Classroom Gambler

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Pete Johnson

Praise for Help! I'm a Classroom Gambler

A hilarious school story with lots of laughs and a meaty message

Help! I'm a Classroom Gambler displays Pete Johnson's characteristic wit and strong-hold over capturing both the politics and demotic of the classroom . . . The constituent parts of this novel make for a real ...

Wonderfully subversive . . . Johnson's own experience as a teacher gives this story of classroom mayhem an extra edge . . . Really funny, clever, exciting and completely draws the reader in

A hilarious school story with lots of laughs and a meaty message

Help! I'm a Classroom Gambler displays Pete Johnson's characteristic wit and strong-hold over capturing both the politics and demotic of the classroom . . . The constituent parts of this novel make for a real ...

Wonderfully subversive . . . Johnson's own experience as a teacher gives this story of classroom mayhem an extra edge . . . Really funny, clever, exciting and completely draws the reader in

A hilarious school story with lots of laughs and a meaty message

Help! I'm a Classroom Gambler displays Pete Johnson's characteristic wit and strong-hold over capturing both the politics and demotic of the classroom . . . The constituent parts of this novel make for a real ...

Wonderfully subversive . . . Johnson's own experience as a teacher gives this story of classroom mayhem an extra edge . . . Really funny, clever, exciting and completely draws the reader in

Books by Pete Johnson

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