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My Life/Tom Weekly #1
My Life & Other Stuff I Made Up
Step aside, Andy Griffiths, there's a new kid in town—and he's bringing his gigantic booger collection with him A series of surprisingly funny, adventurous, sometimes gross short stories. They're linked by the main character—a kid called Tom Weekly—and his friends, family, and dog who show up in each adventure. From talking about poo to a terrible accident with false teeth, and rehydrating a gigantic booger collection to one seriously angry magpie, these stories will make you snort with laughter and cringe in embarrassment. A nail-biting—no, make that toe-biting—thrill ride through one boy's life.
- GenresHumorShort Stories
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
17 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Tristan Bancks
38 books165 followersTristan Bancks tells stories for the page and screen. His books for kids and teens include Two Wolves, The Fall, Detention, the Tom Weekly series, and Nit Boy. Ginger Meggs, Tristan’s 100th anniversary book of short stories, is based on characters created by his great-great uncle, Jimmy Bancks, in 1921. His books have won and been shortlisted for many awards, including a Children’s Book Council of Australia Honour Book, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, ABIA, YABBA, KOALA, NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and Queensland Literary Awards. His latest release is Cop & Robber, a nailbiting crime story for age 10+.
Tristan is a writer-ambassador for literacy non-profit Room to Read. He is currently working with producers to develop a number of his books for the screen. He’s excited by the future of storytelling and inspiring others to create. You can find out more about Tristan’s books, play games, watch videos, join his Young Writer’s StorySchool and help him try to change the world at tristanbancks.com
Tristan is a writer-ambassador for literacy non-profit Room to Read. He is currently working with producers to develop a number of his books for the screen. He’s excited by the future of storytelling and inspiring others to create. You can find out more about Tristan’s books, play games, watch videos, join his Young Writer’s StorySchool and help him try to change the world at tristanbancks.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 21, 2015
For me, this was a 3, but for intermediate/middle boys, I'm sure it would be a 4 or 5. Yes, gross, repulsive, full of poo.. just what they would like. When it gets down to teachers stealing scabs....
Very imaginative, and could be used to inspire kids in their writing. Just not my thing at this age. It was alternately funny and cringe-worthy.
Very imaginative, and could be used to inspire kids in their writing. Just not my thing at this age. It was alternately funny and cringe-worthy.
December 30, 2018
So I’m totally here for gross humour in kids books. Bring on all the toilet related jokes!
But please don’t read this while eating. I nearly vomited multiple times, and I don’t have a weak stomach.
Having said that, I also laughed out loud so many times. Nans having a street brawl, missing toes and much more. Gross but very fun.
But please don’t read this while eating. I nearly vomited multiple times, and I don’t have a weak stomach.
Having said that, I also laughed out loud so many times. Nans having a street brawl, missing toes and much more. Gross but very fun.
July 9, 2025
This is an early Tristan Bancks book. It's filled with crazy growing-up ideas. The first page says BLAM! In big print.
'The Dog Kisser' is gross. A story about a dog walker who adores being licked all over by saliva smooching Muts and Tom Weekly's dog is a favourite. Tom can't stand it.
'The Hot Dog Eat' was even more gross. How many hot dogs can Tom Weekly eat in ten minutes? Last year, Mad Dog Morgan ate 68 in ten minutes and won the Kings Bay Title. Tom's Pop had been runner-up. His Pop's ghost was begging Tom to use the paste he'd worked on to make sure he'd win. Would he do it? Could he do it?
'Teleporter' is what Tom Weekly made and told his best friend Jack about. It was a box covered in foil, but it was a magic transport device that could get Tom and Jack where they wanted to go. Or, was that just a transport device TO BIG TROUBLE?
'My Nan's Tougher' is too hysterical to explain. Jack's 'Sumo' sized Nan on her motorised chair against a blind and fragile but very fierce Tom's Nan. The gloves were ON, and the fighting began. Tom tried to talk his Nan out of fighting, but that didn't happen.
The other stories were equally hysterical.
Toe' was gross upon gross. Tom Weekly had to lick Vegemite off his evil sister Tanya's toe. She had him over a barrel. If he didn't do it, she'd tell her mum about the trap door he made in his bedroom to escape and go to Jack's place.
I won't go through all the others because you have an idea of the stories now, and it's best you read them and laugh uncontrollably at the scenarios.
The titles of the other stories are 'Scab', 'Swoop' (think A killer magpie), 'Tooth Job', and 'Hover Everything.'
I loved 'Two Wolves' by Tristan Banck, but it's for Young Adults. This book is for the younger and more deranged boys in the world. They'll love it!
'The Dog Kisser' is gross. A story about a dog walker who adores being licked all over by saliva smooching Muts and Tom Weekly's dog is a favourite. Tom can't stand it.
'The Hot Dog Eat' was even more gross. How many hot dogs can Tom Weekly eat in ten minutes? Last year, Mad Dog Morgan ate 68 in ten minutes and won the Kings Bay Title. Tom's Pop had been runner-up. His Pop's ghost was begging Tom to use the paste he'd worked on to make sure he'd win. Would he do it? Could he do it?
'Teleporter' is what Tom Weekly made and told his best friend Jack about. It was a box covered in foil, but it was a magic transport device that could get Tom and Jack where they wanted to go. Or, was that just a transport device TO BIG TROUBLE?
'My Nan's Tougher' is too hysterical to explain. Jack's 'Sumo' sized Nan on her motorised chair against a blind and fragile but very fierce Tom's Nan. The gloves were ON, and the fighting began. Tom tried to talk his Nan out of fighting, but that didn't happen.
The other stories were equally hysterical.
Toe' was gross upon gross. Tom Weekly had to lick Vegemite off his evil sister Tanya's toe. She had him over a barrel. If he didn't do it, she'd tell her mum about the trap door he made in his bedroom to escape and go to Jack's place.
I won't go through all the others because you have an idea of the stories now, and it's best you read them and laugh uncontrollably at the scenarios.
The titles of the other stories are 'Scab', 'Swoop' (think A killer magpie), 'Tooth Job', and 'Hover Everything.'
I loved 'Two Wolves' by Tristan Banck, but it's for Young Adults. This book is for the younger and more deranged boys in the world. They'll love it!
May 21, 2018
Tom Weekly introduces us to his life with this explanation ‘these stories are all true. Well. They are based on stuff that’s true. Sometimes I make things up.’ Tom’s records included dog kissing, fighting grandmas, a magpie with its eye on hurting Tom and a hotdog eating contest. Humour, jokes, cartoons, gross body jokes, tips for theme park rides provide the reader with an insight into the craziness of this boy’s
Each short story is just right for reading aloud to students in the middle primary classes, but be warned he may take things a little too far, enough to gross out the teacher! Perfect for reluctant readers with silly cartoons, lists and tips for living told in Tom’s funny way of thinking.
Each short story is just right for reading aloud to students in the middle primary classes, but be warned he may take things a little too far, enough to gross out the teacher! Perfect for reluctant readers with silly cartoons, lists and tips for living told in Tom’s funny way of thinking.
May 13, 2020
Do not eat whilst reading this book!!!! I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing snippets of gross stories with the kids this week whilst discussing the book I am reading .... when you think the story is gross enough, Tristan takes it to a whole other level. Consider yourself warned!
September 23, 2021
A super fun collection of hilarious (and gross!) stories.
December 18, 2014
My life & other stuff I made up
By Tristan Bancks
This hilarious (and sometimes in appropriate!) story tells the tale of Tom Weekly, a pretty normal school boy who finds himself in some pretty wacky situations. Hot dog eating competitions, vegemite consumption off sister’s toes and brave and battling Grannies are just some of the adventures that will enthrall young readers.
I tried to read this book to myself, but the comical insight of Tom begs to be shared so it was with only a slight blush that I read the book aloud to my 7 and 9 year old daughters. And laugh aloud we did. Though I must admit, open minded I might be a chapter that is preceded by a warning that “Adults should not read this story under any circumstance” had me a little worried. However I wasn’t to be alarmed: this tale involving the ninja antics of Tom’s Grandmother in a fierce duel with his best friends Grandma was light entertainment compared to some of the material spattered throughout the book!
Tristan Bancks is a writer who knows how to tell a story that will keep the kids entertained, engaged and turning the page. A comically inspirational story teller who I am sure could encourage many a reluctant reader. I also think the antics of Tom could encourage reluctant young writers to put pen to paper and capture their own story.
Bancks is the first to admit that his stories may be ‘weird or gross’ (poo is given a considerable role, and the weirdness of a hover world may be hard to believe) but these graphic books with Paul Jennings as their pioneer are the type of stories beloved by boys (and girls!) Australia wide.
Accompanied by simple and sometimes crude (hover poo, for example) drawings by Gus Gordon this graphic book is an hilarious platform for story telling, that any young reader with a lightly twisted sense of humor would be delighted to read.
Reviewed for Creative Kids Tales by Leah Mason
www.creativekidstales.com.au
By Tristan Bancks
This hilarious (and sometimes in appropriate!) story tells the tale of Tom Weekly, a pretty normal school boy who finds himself in some pretty wacky situations. Hot dog eating competitions, vegemite consumption off sister’s toes and brave and battling Grannies are just some of the adventures that will enthrall young readers.
I tried to read this book to myself, but the comical insight of Tom begs to be shared so it was with only a slight blush that I read the book aloud to my 7 and 9 year old daughters. And laugh aloud we did. Though I must admit, open minded I might be a chapter that is preceded by a warning that “Adults should not read this story under any circumstance” had me a little worried. However I wasn’t to be alarmed: this tale involving the ninja antics of Tom’s Grandmother in a fierce duel with his best friends Grandma was light entertainment compared to some of the material spattered throughout the book!
Tristan Bancks is a writer who knows how to tell a story that will keep the kids entertained, engaged and turning the page. A comically inspirational story teller who I am sure could encourage many a reluctant reader. I also think the antics of Tom could encourage reluctant young writers to put pen to paper and capture their own story.
Bancks is the first to admit that his stories may be ‘weird or gross’ (poo is given a considerable role, and the weirdness of a hover world may be hard to believe) but these graphic books with Paul Jennings as their pioneer are the type of stories beloved by boys (and girls!) Australia wide.
Accompanied by simple and sometimes crude (hover poo, for example) drawings by Gus Gordon this graphic book is an hilarious platform for story telling, that any young reader with a lightly twisted sense of humor would be delighted to read.
Reviewed for Creative Kids Tales by Leah Mason
www.creativekidstales.com.au
July 2, 2014
Oh man, was this a gem or what?
My life and other stuff I made up by Tristan Bancks is supposed to be a children's book I think (cfr. cover + doodles + writing style) but even for the larger children amongst us (Yellowcard comes to mind: "you don't grow up, you just grow old") this book is like eye candy. I haven't had this much reading fun in years (this must be the definition of random hilarity). You never know what to expect and Bancks is an expert in inserting tiny phrases that make you go "what. the. actual. f.". To top it off, there are the small to large drawings of magpies, grannies up in arms, evil sisters and the like.
Very very enjoyable.
My life and other stuff I made up by Tristan Bancks is supposed to be a children's book I think (cfr. cover + doodles + writing style) but even for the larger children amongst us (Yellowcard comes to mind: "you don't grow up, you just grow old") this book is like eye candy. I haven't had this much reading fun in years (this must be the definition of random hilarity). You never know what to expect and Bancks is an expert in inserting tiny phrases that make you go "what. the. actual. f.". To top it off, there are the small to large drawings of magpies, grannies up in arms, evil sisters and the like.
Very very enjoyable.
Read
July 5, 2016A nail-biting - no, make that toe-biting - thrill ride through one boy's life. Have you ever been kissed by a dog? Ever had to eat Vegemite off your sister's big toe? Have you had a job delivering teeth? Has a bloodthirsty magpie ever been out to get you? Ever woken up to discover that everything hovers? And have you eaten 67 hot dogs in ten minutes? I have. I'm Tom Weekly. This book is full of my stories, jokes, cartoon characters, ideas for theme park rides and other stuff I've made up. It's where I pour out whatever's inside my head. It gets a bit weird sometimes but that's how I roll. Illustrated by Gus Gordon.
Gr 3 – 6
Gr 3 – 6
April 12, 2014
I realise that I'm not the target audience for this book. So the parts that were so gross they made me squeal and feel ill may actually be enjoyed by young readers. This book was similar to Paul Jennings' work and was a combination of short stories involving the same characters. I did appreciate the ridiculousness of some of the tales though. I would use the 'My Nan's Tougher' story when teaching about exaggeration in writing (this one made me laugh). A good addition to our library.
September 11, 2015
Funny, almost to the point where I could see people wanting to ban it from schools/libraries, etc. So yeah, it is great stuff! "My Nan's Tougher" is about two grandmas having a fist fight, it is amazing and my fave of the stories.
I had to special order it from San Diego Library, so I guess it's hard to get here.
I had to special order it from San Diego Library, so I guess it's hard to get here.
June 22, 2016
This book has a high level of yuk to attract non readers. Having read one of Tristan Bancks's novels before, which I thought was particularly good, I found it disappointing. I'm sure the yuk lovers will enjoy it but that does not include me. Another review compares this to Paul Jennings. Sorry, I believe Jennings's plots are much more interesting than this.
November 4, 2015
I love it.
I personally met Tristan Banks, and he is an awesome person!
His books are funny and give you a good laugh. I remember him telling me the story about his sister's toe, and how he got his appendix taken out. Not entirely sure if it was true... but it is great book nonetheless.
I personally met Tristan Banks, and he is an awesome person!
His books are funny and give you a good laugh. I remember him telling me the story about his sister's toe, and how he got his appendix taken out. Not entirely sure if it was true... but it is great book nonetheless.
May 10, 2014
Hil-ar-ri-ous! and just a little bit repulsive too. Two ingredients kids find irresistible. Nice one.
January 26, 2013
I laughed out loud and then had to explain to my non-reader son what was so funny. A great book about a funny boy with a vivid imagination and a bad habit of getting into sticky situations. Loved it!
April 12, 2013
Very funny! Middle grade guys will love it.
September 3, 2013
Read alike to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Very episodic, which could be confusing to kids. Set in Australia, which was refreshing.
September 12, 2020
The book isn't that great, but I did a writing workshop years ago with this guy and I have a signed copy of this, so yeah.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews