"'I suppose the Midnight Gang is nothing more than an idea really,' mused Robin. 'One that's passed on from child to child.' 'Like nits?' asked George unhelpfully. 'Yes, exactly like nits, George!' exclaimed Robin. 'You really are a genius. The Midnight Gang is exactly like nits but without the scratchy heads, special shampoo, egg-removing combs and of course the nits themselves.'" Also unlike the experience of having nits is the aim of the Midnight Gang: to bring the hospital-bound children's dreams to life. Walliams' characteristic humour is reminiscent of Roald Dahl, as is his child characters' circumventing or defeating of hostile adults who exercise savage authority over them, often aided by more sympathetic adult characters. In this case, the children's ward matron is vindictive and bullying, despite her angelic appearance, while the monstrous-looking porter has a heart of gold and goes to elaborate lengths to grant the wishes of these sick children. He devises an intricate reproduction of the Arctic in the hospital freezer to allow Amber to experience her dream to be the first girl to reach the North Pole. Tom joins the Midnight Gang when he is hospitalised after being hit on the head by a cricket ball. The other children on the ward are recovering from accidents or operations, but it is clear that Sally is being treated for cancer. The gang and the porter must outwit the formidable matron and all the other hospital staff, as well as Tom's loathsome school headmaster, to grant Sally's wish. This story is a wonderful adventure of friendship, perseverance, creativity, and kindness. There is some class and race stereotyping which is also reminiscent of Dahl and is disappointing to see reproduced here by Walliams. Novel with some black and white illustrations.

Audience: Child aged 9 +