Belly Flop

This description perfectly captures the spirit of a Morris Gleitzman novel. Mitch, an eleven-year-old in the Australian outback, embodies the typical Gleitzman protagonist: earnest, a little naive, and driven by a desire to do good and win acceptance. The sheer absurdity of his ambition to become a world champion diver in a place where water is a precious commodity for hundreds of miles is pure Gleitzman. It’s a setup brimming with the potential for both hilarious mishaps and poignant moments as Mitch navigates the challenges of his remote environment and the complex relationships with his family and the "hostile locals." Gleitzman's talent for weaving together humor and heart, often tackling serious themes with a light touch, makes him a beloved author for young readers. Books like "Belly Flop" would fit seamlessly into his oeuvre because they showcase his signature blend of quirky characters, relatable struggles, and an underlying message of hope and resilience. His stories often explore themes of finding your place, overcoming obstacles with ingenuity, and the importance of community, all of which are strongly suggested by this synopsis. The promise of a "bitter-sweet and brilliantly funny novel" is a hallmark of Gleitzman's writing, making this a likely candidate for any list of his best works.