The “voice” of fourteen-year-old Hector’s brain tumor is an irreverent, pushy life coach named Jack—Jack Tumor. Alternating scenes of wild farce and sensitivity shot through with liberal doses of humor show Hector emerging from his comfort zone to risk friendships, take on school bullies, and meet girls. 2010 USBBY Outstanding International Books List.

Originally published as Henry Tumour by Doubleday Great Britain, in 2006.

Hector is being hectored by an unlikely bully: a talking brain tumor. And it's not just a talking brain tumor. It's a know-it-all, pain-in-the-arse, jibber-jabbering brain tumor that names itself Jack, and insists on coaching Hector through life even as it's threatening to take his life away. It's a pretty good coach, actually. With Jack in control of Hector's speech and brain chemicals, Hector suddenly finds himself with a cool haircut, a new fashion sense, and tactics for snogging previously unattainable hottie Uma Upshaw. But when Jack begins to force increasingly questionable decisions and behavior, Hector has to find a way to turn the tables – before it's too late for both of them.

Delightfully twisted, desperately funny, and deeply moving, this novel is also the winner of the Booktrust Teenage Prize in the United Kingdom.