The unforgettable Casson family, previously encountered in Saffy’s Angel (Margaret K. McElderry, 2002), makes a return appearance in a novel featuring 12-year-old Indigo. A serious bout of mononucleosis has kept Indigo out of school for an entire semester, and now he’s quietly dreading his return. Bullies had made his life miserable, and Indigo knows he’s in for more of the same. Unexpectedly, Tom, recently arrived from America, deflects some of the gang’s attention onto himself, with his reckless behavior and questionable statements. Soon Tom and Indigo become unlikely friends, and each pushes the other to grow, while giving support and acceptance. Meanwhile, the rest of the Cassons continue to be extraordinary in their own unique ways. Caddy, the oldest, manages a host of inappropriate beaus, and 14-year-old Saffy tries to help Indigo by bullying the bullies. Unquenchable Rose, a mighty force at 8 years of age, works equally hard at not wearing her new glasses and enticing her increasingly distant father to return home. Life in the Casson household may be chaotic, but they continue to entertain and engage readers with their unpredictable antics and unconditional love. (Ages 10–14)

It's back to school for the start of a new term, and the eccentric Cassons are up to their old tricks!

Indigo, having just recovered from a bout of mononucleosis, must return to school after missing an entire semester. Only his younger sister and loyal sidekick, Rose, knows why he's dreading it so much. As it turns out, the school bullies are eagerly awaiting Indigo's return so that they can pick up where they left off -- flushing his head in the toilet. But Indigo hasn't counted on meeting Tom, an American student who is staying with his grandmother in England for the year. With his couldn't-care-less attitude and rock-and-roll lifestyle, Tom becomes Indigo's ally, and together they work to take back the school.
Meanwhile, eight-year-old Rose is desperately trying to avoid wearing horrible glasses, nineteen-year-old Caddy is agonizing over her many suitors, Saffy is working overtime with her best friend, Sarah, to protect Indigo from the gang, and with their father, Bill, in London at his art studio, their mother, Eve, is just trying to stay on top of it all!
In this hilarious, heartwarming companion to her award-winning Saffy's Angel, Hilary McKay shows us a new side of the Cassons and reminds us that nothing is stronger than the bonds of family.