Ishmael and the Return of the Dugongs (Don't Call Me Ishmael) by Michael Gerard Bauer

Ishmael Leseur #2

by Michael Gerard Bauer

Scobie, Zorzotto, Prindabel, Kingsley and Leseur are back at St Daniel's for Year Ten. Ishmael is feeling confident that he is over the worst of Ishmael Leseur's syndrome and, with Barry Bagsley neutralised for the time being, is hoping for a smooth ride. Instead, it's a seriously gut-wrenching struggle against social humiliation on a scale undreamt of before when he and the Razzman discover girls. His world is now seriously changed, and suddenly Ishmael needs a list to help him make a phone call. Meanwhile their father plans a potentially embarrassing comeback with his old band the Dugongs.

Genres: Young Adult, Humor, Fiction, Romance, High School, Coming Of Age, Contemporary

Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Michael Gerard Bauer was born and lives in Brisbane Australia. In 2000 he resigned from his full-time position as an English/Economics teacher to pursue his dream of becoming a writer.

In 2004 his first YA novel The Running Man was published to great acclaim. It subsequently won the 2005 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year for Older Readers and was short-listed for the NSW, Victoria and South Australian State Premiers’ Literary awards.

In 2008 the German translation of The Running Man was short-listed for the German Youth Literature Prize and won the German Catholic Children’s and Young People’s Book Prize. In 2014 it was short-listed for the Prix Farniente in Belgium. In 2009 the Italian translation of The Running Man was a finalists for the “Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Cento” Prize.

In 2007 his second novel, a ‘laugh out loud’ comedy entitled Don’t Call Me Ishmael! was short-listed in both the CBCA awards and the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and won the 2007 Children’s Peace Literature Award and the 2008 South Australian Festival Award for Children’s Literature. It was also included in the 2007 White Ravens selection for Outstanding International Books for children and young adults. Its sequel Ishmael and the Return of the Dugongs was a 2008 CBCA Notable book. The final book in the trilogy Ishmael and the Hoops of Steel and was released in July 2011. It was shortlisted for the 2012 CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers.

Michael’s other books include, Dinosaur Knights a 2010 CBCA Notable Book described as ‘an original and adrenalin-pumping adventure’, You Turkeys! an illustrated chapter book, part of the Scholastic Mates series for early readers, and Just a Dog which was named Honour Book in the 2011 CBCA awards in the Younger Readers category and won the 2011 Queensland Premier's award for best Children's Book.

Michael has also written a series of three humorous books for younger readers: Eric Vale Epic Fail; (BILBY Award Winner 2014; KOALA Honour Book 2014) Eric Vale Super Male; (CBCA Notable Book 2014) and Eric Vale Off the Rails (Selected as one of the 2013 GET READING 50 Books You Can't Put Down). The books are fully illustrated by Michael's son Joe who as well as being a talented artist is an amazing young film-maker and along with his wife Rita Artmann make up Artspear Entertainment the creators of the extremely popular TOON SANDWICH film trailer spoofs on You Tube.  Joe also created the trailer for Eric Vale Epic Fail.

The first of spin-off series from the Eric Vale books Secret Agent Derek 'Danger' Dale: The Case of Animals Behaving Really REALLY Badly came out in July 2014. Two other Derek Dale action adventures The Case of the Really REALLY Scary Things and The Case of the Really REALLY Magnetic Magnetic have now been released.

In May 2016 the YA comedy The Pain, My Mother, Sir Tiffy, Cyber Boy and Me was released. Michael's first picture book Rodney Loses It! illustrated by Chrissie Krebs was published in September 2017. It won the 2018 CBCA Award in the Early Readers category as well as the 2018 Speech Therapy Award. His most recent YA book The Things That Will Not Stand won the 2019 Prime Minister's Award in the YA category and was a White Ravens selection

These days Michael is a full-time writer. His books are widely set as school texts and he is in high demand for talks and workshops at schools and Festivals around Australia. He has also enjoyed three very successful visits to Indonesia as a Writer in Residence at the Jakarta International School (2007 and 2008) and the British International School (2008). As well he has visited the American community School in Abu Dhabi (2012) and spent three weeks at schools in Southern China. In 2010 Michael was one of the guest authors at the White Ravens International Children’s and Youth Literature Festival in Munich Germany and in 2012 he was invited to the Edinburgh Writers festival.

Michael’s books are curre

Reviews

[Kevin Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the first book, they were funny. The bit that I can remember is when Ishmael went to Kelly Falkner's friend's party, Ishmael dropped yellow juice bottle in the pool when he was in it. Then those yellow juice came out and those people who were invited to that party thought he wee. He couldn't find the bottle and Ishamel and his friend, Orazio had to come back from party. I think people should read Ishmael series because it is not just fun, it has meanings in it. In the first book,the meaning was that language is really strong weapon.

[Morningdew_C · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a beautifully written book and sequel.

[Paula Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apart from his desire to get a whole lot closer to Kelly Faulkner with the wonderful, ice-blue eyes, Ishmael continues to hold his end up for their debating team. He (ineffectively) attempts to make peace when his friends, Razza and Prindabel keep clashing, and (more effectively) tries to help his dad's middle-aged band members put together a 20-year reunion concert.

Strokes of cringeworthy bad luck continue to dog his footsteps. It seems some sort of magnetism is involved. Why do tongue-tied, awkward folk like Ishmael (and me, I admit it), tend to attract more than our fair share of face-palmy predicaments?

One big question for readers to figure for ourselves is whether Kelly is attracted to Ishmael or not? We only ever see her through his viewpoint, which remains ambiguous, even when he tries to sneak a read of her diary to find out for sure. The subject could constitute a debate among readers itself.

Characterisation and dialogue continue to carry the day. People like Ishmael (and me) will continue to envy people like his best mate Razza, who are quick-witted enough to think on their feet and never seem to realize what a fortunate skill that is. The nerds win our affection too. It's good to see James Scobie back as his super-capable self, and I can't help wondering what science geek, Ignatius Prindabel will pull out of his hat in the third installment.

I went away for a quiet weekend and this was a perfect short holiday read. You don't have to concentrate too hard to get a pretty decent story, there are several laugh-out-loud moments, and enough impetus for me to decide, 'Okay, aother chapter.' What will these five boys deliver next?

[Jos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Der Autor trägt manchmal schon etwas dick auf, aber es sind einfach liebenswerte Charaktere, die sich in seinem Roman tummeln. Diesmal ist es vor allem Orazio, der im Mittelpunkt steht. Kurzweilig, witzig und unterhaltsam geschrieben - Teenagerliteratur muss ja nicht immer problembeladen sein.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is a pretty good book. I think it's better than the first book.

[Austin]

Very Good

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wer Nennt mich nicht Ismael nicht kennt, der hole dies sofort nach! Ein wunderbares Kinder- und Jugendbuch, das ein ganz tolles Familienvorlesebuch abgibt. Wer Teil 1 der Ismaelgeschichten kennt, der kann nun mit Der Auftritt der Seekühe noch einmal mit dem einzigen bekannten Fall des Ismael-Leseur-Syndroms von einem Missgeschick in das nächste tappen. Bei weitem nicht so komisch wie Band 1, aber wieder kongenial vorgetragen von Jens Wawrczeck. Bauer verleiht hier einigen Hauptfiguren mehr Background und vergisst darüber - leider! - den über die Sommerferien überraschend schlank gewordenen Außenseiter und Fantasyspinner Barry, der praktisch nicht auftaucht. "Die Seekühe" (zu Englisch minimal cooler "Dugongs") ist die Band von Ismaels Vater, die ein Revivalkonzert plant. Auf dem Hörbuch finden sich eingängige Rockmusikstücke, die im Buch in Textform vorhanden sind. Höhepunkt des Buches war für mich schon das Einstiegskapitel, in dem Antiheld Ismael bei seinem heimlichen Schwarm anrufen muss, um für eine Party zuzusagen. Ansonsten etwas zu viel Lovestory. Aber ich bin ja auch kein 14-jähriger Junge ;)

[Jill Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the middle book of the Ishmael series.

Typical teenage boys just obsessed with getting the girls of their dreams, really over simplifies this brilliant book.

Again Ishmael is besotted with Kelly Faulkner whom he is certain thinks he's a total scum bag when his Ishmael Leseur's syndrome has caused him it's usual amount of humiliation and angst, while his best mate the Razzman seems unable to accept that Sally straight A's friend of Kelly's is keen on him. Their English teacher Miss Tarango has suggested he write a poem to show his affections and win his love interest over. Ishmael as usual can only see disaster ahead.

I laughed often throughout this book that is a fast and enjoyable read. MGB has a brilliant way of relating confronting topics like bullying, dysfunctional families, and abusive adults, while giving his characters the opportunity to discover who they really are.

I will treasure this book among my other author signed books - thanks MGB!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Scobie, Zorzotto, Prindabel, Kingsley and Leseur are back at St Daniel's for Year Ten. Ishmael is feeling confident that he is over the worst of Ishmael Leseur's syndrome and, with Barry Bagsley neutralised for the time being, is hoping for a smooth ride. Instead, it's a seriously gut-wrenching struggle against social humiliation on a scale undreamt of before when he and the Razzman discover girls. His world is now seriously changed, and suddenly Ishmael needs a list to help him make a phone call. Meanwhile their father plans a potentially embarrassing comeback with his old band the Dugongs." Goodreads

[Megan G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great book from Michael Gerard Bauer. A sequel to don't call me Ishmael. You will blush so much on the stuff that happens to Ishmael. You are so going to laugh so much that will fall to the ground. I loved this book and i would and will read it over and over again( when I get my own copy)

Will Ishmael win Kelly's heart or will he break her heart.
Will the raz man( razza) hook up with Sally or not
Will scoby find a girl or will he not
Will the dugongs come back or will they stay broken up

[Nipun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the funniest book I have ever read. All of the characters shone in their roles, and the book really had a feel of the typical schoolboy struggle while serving up joke after joke. The cover art is also really well put together, and I'm pretty bummed the author decided to go with the other version of the covers for the last book. Oh well.

All in all, Ishmael and the Return of the Dugongs is a brilliant, hilarious story that I guarantee you will reread countless times.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very funny sequel to: Don't call me Ishmael. While Ishmael faces another year at St Daniel's, his father's old band reforming, and his teacher on a mission to teach love poetry, there's music and romance in the air. But can Ishmael win the heart of Kelly Faulkner?

Full of surprises and funny character (Razzman is da man), this book is a page-turner.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that grew on me as I kept reading. To begin with, I wasn't enjoying it as much as "Don't Call Me Ishmael", but in the end the sweetness won me over. The characters have definitely moved out of middle-school and into raging-teenager-hormone territory - but I think that is exactly who it aimed at... A pleasant read I would recommend to any 14-16 yo.

[Matthew Goldsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great. I would not recommend anyone to read unless they have read the first book after that i would really recommend anyone to read it. It is a great carry on from the first book and because the first book was written at such a high standard this one had to follow up which it did perfectly. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Collins Wang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was more interesting than Don't Call Me Ishmael because it uses more non-fiction information like Pi and Beatles, with fictional information like the Dugongs, et cetera. The creative use of the abovementioned writing genres makes the reader feel more and more fascinated as the story progresses. In the end, Ishmael and Razza both get together with the person they like/dreamed about.

[Dylan T · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this book, at the start it wasn't as enjoyable as the first one, but as i read on the book started to grow on me and the more that i wanted to read. i have really enjoyed all of these books so far because i can kind of relate to them. towards the end of the book i enjoyed it more than the first one.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series a lot. This book made me smile so much, even though I stayed up until 1 AM to read it and I usually feel like dying. Like, the characters are so cute and so moving, and the plot is just hilarious.

It's just a really cutesy middle school book that makes you laugh a lot, and that I sincerely needed.

[Dimity Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is only one thing which salves the hurt of finishing a Michael Gerard Bauer novel; that's knowing there's another in the series to read. But like savouring roast potatoes, I'm saving it for as long as possible. Absolute genius.

[Marita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most excellent school comedy which absolutely retains its authenticity. As the title suggests the most important theme in the book is the enduring value of friendship. Lots of silly capers as well, but never at the expense of the story or characterisation.

[Jock Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was really good
scobie comes back into the book
the go to kelly folkners partty and the littel girl spills yellow cordell in the water the every one thiknks it was ishmale that piedd himself

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

More hilarity and cringe worthy moments (maybe because they're so relatable) in this novel. A wonderful story which transitions into something more mature than the last. A nice move and reflective of Ishmael's maturity.

[Nhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious- I loved it, even though at first i had my doubts because of the cover... the saying "don't judge a book by its cover" couldn't be truer.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one even funnyer than the first one

[Danny · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book made me laugh out loud so evidently it's a good book.

[Mrs. M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book read with Middle School students as it gives wonderful character portrayals of friends, enemies, and perseverance.

[Bekky Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

good school book

[Ally Murphy · Rating 1 out of 5]

ICAN'T EVEN READ IT! IT WON'T LET ME!

[Lisa-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bis jetzt ist der Teil genauso gut wie der 1