A new book from the winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize

When Tom meets Spider, he thinks he has found a friend for life. But their friendship doesn't run smoothly; Spider can't help being a naughty puppy, while Tom has to deal with his parents' separation, the pressure of a new school and a bully's unwanted attention.

But when Tom and Spider become separated, they learn that they are far braver and more determined than anyone cold have imagined. And in losing each other, they discover an unbreakable bond of love.

Andy Mulligan was brought up in south London. He has taught in the Philippines, India, Brazil, Vietnam and the UK. His first novel, Ribblestrop, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Books Prize, and his second won the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. Trash was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, has been translated into 31 languages and was filmed by Stephen Daldry.