Bim Blake’s Hot Takes: My Pencil Case Doesn’t Define Me: A hilarious new series for 9-12-year-olds from a bestselling author

by Tọlá Okogwu

From the bestselling author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun comes the first in a brand-new tween slice-of-life series. Relatable, humorous and highly illustrated, Bím Blake's Hot Takes is perfect for fans of Dork Diaries and Geek Girl.

Hi bestie! My name’s Bím Blake. I've just started high school and here’s my hot take on Year Seven is a LOT harder than I thought! I’ve realised my school skirt is way too long, my pencil case is way too uncool, my boobs are way too big and the new boy (who’s the son of popstar parents!!!) is way too cute for my liking . . .

If that wasn’t bad enough, tell me why my dad has been acting weirder than usual. He’s been making TikToks (cringe!), experimenting in the kitchen (I call it attempted murder!) and he’s even started exercising . . . It must be tough being over forty! Add into the mix a trio of annoying older brothers (yes, I have three – pray for me!), a duo of feuding aunts, one friend mishap and a huge helping of drama and you have a recipe for chaos. Welcome to my life!

Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2026

About the author

Tọlá Okogwu is an award-winning and best-selling children’s author whose work includes the Onyeka, Daddy Do My Hair and Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door (written as Lola Morayo) series. A passionate literacy advocate, Tọlá has donated over two thousand books and founded the Read Bold, Wide and Beyond initiative which encourages children to build reading confidence, explore diverse genres and formats, and connect reading to the wider world and interests. Tọlá lives in Kent, England with her husband and two daughters.

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I enjoyed this. Bim is a fun main character and I really enjoyed learning about her friends and family! We’ve all been there making mistakes with our friends, worrying about our families and struggling with SOMETHING at school! Think this is more suited to Y7+, but might be worth reading first if you want to recommend it to Year 6.

[lauren brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

god i loved this. it's so adorable and frank and godamn funny. now, how to get it into the hands of my nephews...