This hilarious new book focuses on a refugee called Kamal as he tries to navigate school life and desperately wants to fit in and be popular.

When he finds himself throwing up in front of the entire school, that seems even more unachievable until he makes a discovery in the school library. The Cheat Book is like the voices in his head, it’s as if it is written purely for him. With one life have at a time, it shows him the simple steps to success, answers all of his questions and is destined to take him from “Pukeboy” to popular. With his only two friends, Wing and Jojo, in tow, we follow his escapades as he tries to cheat his way through the algorithm of ‘Popstock’ the app that shows everyone how popular you are.. Kamal wants to rise above a zero rating but things don't go quite to plan. He finds out that being cool isn’t as cool as you might think! It requires hard work and requires maintenance, you are always only one step away from being seen as ‘uncool’ all over again.

We read this book with children age 9-12 and they loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending this eBook for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

Suitable for older children, and 4-5 stars for them. This will be popular! My 9yo child liked this book and the MC a lot. For me, it was more of a 3,5 stars. The uncool MC, who is actually cool, tries to be cool in the eyes of his peers through some daily adventures, hard decisions, and hilarious moments. The themes and the message are universal and relatable. Kamal, the MC, is an excellent character whom we need to see more of. The unique take of the book, the cheat sheet is also interesting. 3,5 stars for the accompanying illustrations from me, and 5/5 stars from my child. We are looking forward to the next books in this series. The print type is very engaging by the way.

The Cheat Book is a HILARIOUS quest for coolness. It’s fresh, it’s joyous. And it’s got a Black Muslim refugee kid lead we don’t see anywhere near enough of in books like these. I hope this one flies! Children are going to love it for sure.

Can a refugee boy who dresses different, eats different food, doesn’t sit on the ‘cool table’, and just happens to throw up in front of the entire school, go from Puke Boy to popular?

With the help of a special and mysterious book from the library, he might just pull it off! The book, Cheat Book, has helps for everything from tips to get out of trouble from the principal, how to talk to a cute girl, and other things to get your popularity rating higher.

This story was a fun way to remind us that being cool isn’t always what you think it is.. True friends matter- and different is good!

The illustrations, font variations, and typical middle school references make this very relatable and enjoyable.

I got this arc from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Ramzee- Ramsay Hasan- illustrator and cartoonist -has written and created the first of a new series for the 9 + reader called The Cheat Book.
The story focuses on the everyday world of Kamal as he tries to navigate his way through life at school. Kamal is a Somalian refugee and desperately wants to 'belong' and be popular to some extent - but equally wants a low key existence without drawing attention to himself.... but things don't go to plan!

He finds himself puking in front of the school, becoming involved in a school food fight, having a battle with the school ogre and bluffing his way through a history homework to name but some of the mishaps! But his survival and ultimate success is due to his discovery of The Cheat Book- a guide to getting himself out of troubles and ideas for 'self improvement" His escapades are supported by his only two friends - Wing and Jojo
Throughout the school, pupils are hooked on an app called the PopStock rating- that shows how popular you are.. Kamal wants to rise above a zero rating but things don't go as expected .

The story is fast paced and an ideal book to move certain readers away from Wimpy Kid and Tom Gates or at least provide an alternative. Ramzee's illustrations and cartoon strip ' style' elements to the book are excellent- very comical, highly expressive and really add a wonderful dimension to the story.

Kamal is a brilliant character trying to be true to himself; aware of his parents pressures and the teachings of the imam and Quran class. The ending provides a good message about being your true self .

This is a big hearted book about friendship and growing up - in particular trying to fit into a new community. A promising start to a new series- and ideal for those readers who need a comedic and semi-illustrated story. Recommended for Key stage 2 - Year 4 upwards