The Long Class Goodnight

by Sammy J

What would happen if the end-of-school bell never rang?

Meet Justin Monaghetti.
He is destined to be a loser.

His new school is terrifying. His only friend wants to run away forever. And he's just been given a detention for something he didn't do.

But Justin isn't going to accept his fate without a fight. To survive his first day of high school, he'll need a few tricks, a bit of luck - and an ingenious plan to mess with the rules.

Genres: Childrens

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2018

About the author

Sammy J (aka Sam Jonathan McMillan) first tried to get a book published when he was eleven years old, but received seventeen rejection letters. He then passed the time writing comedy songs, making TV shows, and touring the world as a comedian. Then he wrote another book – and this time, it got published.

His live shows have taken him from Edinburgh to Montreal and collected multiple awards along the way. As a composer, he has written music for stage and screen. His TV work includes "Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane" and "Playground Politics", and he can currently be seen on ABC TV performing weekly satirical sketches.

"The Long Class Goodnight" is his first book.

Reviews

[Woff · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We got you a gift for your first day of high school.” She handed Justin a parcel wrapped in cellophane.

“Wedgie-proof underpants, darling. Just for you.”

“German-made,” said his dad proudly. “Reinforced around the buttocks. I wore these well into my thirties.”


Something went wrong with this book... the cover? The title? The marketing? Because it was actually hilarious and deserves sequels and recognition and stuff.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh just how sweet is this. A gorgeous, truly gorgeous young adult novel that describes how we all know we've all felt at one point or another. Sammy J's comedic prowess is unarguable and it shines through here too, with the jokes coming thick and fast both for younger readers and with the odd one chucked in too for mum and dad who might be reading to the kids at bedtime - a very thoughtful addition. Also full of handy life advice for the youngsters, like how to break into the school canteen, form the perfect spitball and other worldly pieces of essential young adult life skills.
Kids will love this I'm sure, I knocked it over in an afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed the time I'd spent reading it (as well as really wanting to know how it ended!)

[Teaching Little Fishies · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚HILARIOUS! From the get-go this book had me hooked in. Not the beginning I was expecting at all but a very great one indeed! We follow Justin Monaghetti through his first day of high-school. The only thing is, he is ‘destined’ to become a loser.

⏳The first day of school is about to end but something or someone interferes with the clock meaning that the school day cannot finish. Imagine all the things that might happen if the students aren’t allowed to leave school! Well you had better read this one to find out all the mischief and mayhem the could unfold!

📚I found myself wanting to jump back into this book each time I put it down. This book was really easy to read and follow which makes it a great classroom library book. You will have your students enjoying a good laugh!

⏳Filled with witty humour and some wonderful characters. I would recommend adding this one to your library. Suitable for any child beyond 8 years of age.

🧠Teaching Point:
MAKING CONNECTIONS: As this book follows the life of a school-aged student, it provides a great platform to make text-to-self connections. There are a range of characters, moments and emotions that your students and children would be able to make meaningful connections too.

[Shona Millward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVE it! We need more originality in the world - just like this book! This book was classed as good (hahaha) on my shelf! Clara aged 9
I completely loved this book, sorry for the lack of originality but I did laugh out loud and couldn't put this book down. I would love to buy more copies of The Long Class Goodnight for birthday presents but they are not stocked in the UK (grump...) Shona aged 43

[Emily G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little yarn. I grabbed it from the library and smashed through it in a few evenings. It's on my classroom library wish list for my year 3 class. The first chapter where Justin learns he is a loser had me giggling like a kid, the way you do when watching Sammy J at work. This will keep reluctant readers turning those pages and any parents reading along will get a laugh or two as well.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Anh Do's WeirDo books or Diary of a Wimpy kid and are ready for a bit more reading then this is the book for you. A funny story about being a looser, starting high school and trying to fit in. Can totally see this as a movie! We have brought two copies for our high school library and i already brought a copy for my cousin's boys.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an enormous crush on Sammy J. so when I saw this, I just had to read it, even though it's a little out of my age bracket.
Absolutely delightful, funny, quirky and totally engaging. I loved this.

[Fiona Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fast but funny read. Just could not put it down. Jokies have 2 levels to them fir both adults and kids alike. I will be dreaming of people driving desks in my sleep. Recommend this book to all those that want a laugh. Sammy J this book is fantastic.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is very interesting.
At the start when he had the assembly it was kind of everywhere but as soon as the class never ended it started getting interesting.
For once i actually enjoyed a book.
I recommend reading this if you like the presenter of ABC's Playground politics

[Hung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very charming fun tale. Reminds me of reading Paul Jennings in highschool.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first day of high school can be scary, especially when you're a loser! This was a wonderful book about staying true to yourself no matter who tries to stop you. Great little read!

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is really good for 10 to 12 years olds. At the start it was a bit of shock but you eventually got on track and it was a really good book. I give it a 4.5 star rating!😃😎🤓🧐

[Jessica Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually found this to be a lot of fun, and a fast paced read : didn't take long at all.

[Samantha & Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read

[Lyra van der Berge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ridiculously fun book, good for a light-hearted break in between more emotionally heavy reading materials. Really enjoyed it, many chuckles and laugh out loud moments were had.

[Duaa Mariam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg such a story mixed with a lot of feelings and is really really interesting

[saf · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I'm not sure how this book ended up on my e-reader. Maybe I accidentally borrowed the wrong ebook from my library, haha! But I read the whole thing and it was actually pretty funny. Sure, it was a bit silly and childish, but that's to be expected since it's meant for young readers. So I can't really complain! 😊

[Theoutspokenswan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, interesting twist on obeying rules at school and watching out for authority figures, bullies and bribery. Recommended for Upper Primary and Middle School readers.