A classroom is a whole new world to ten-year-old Sam Bannerman. Homeschooled at a small farm in isolated Rangitata River, Sam’s life has revolved around the river bed and native bush until suddenly the family is thrown into turmoil when his pregnant mum is rushed to hospital where she must remain for months until the baby is born. Sam’s dad cannot look after him so Sam is enrolled into school … where his utter fixation with science immediately lands him in trouble. In fact, no matter how hard he tries to suppress it, science keeps bursting out of him. Will school ever be ready for Science Sam? This heart-warming junior novel is perfect for any kid who feels like they just don’t fit in. It was shortlisted for the Tom Fitzgibbon Award.