Author: Tola Okogwu

Interest age: from c 9 years

Published on 21 May 2026 by Penguin Random House Children’s UK (Puffin) in the United Kingdom as part of ‘the Bim Blake’ series.

Paperback | 304 pages
197 x 129 x 25 | 264g

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, Bm Blake’s Hot Takes is perfect for fans of Dork Diaries, Lottie Brooks and Cringe Club.

Laugh out loud, full of heart and fantastic fun! A.F. Steadman, author of the Skandar seriesA perfect tween diary with a strong, immediate voice and relatable struggles. Louie Stowell, author of Loki: A Bad Gods Guide to Being GoodAuthentic, funny and painfully real. Hannah Gold, author of The Last BearHi bestie! My names Bm Blake. I’ve just started high school and heres my hot take on it: Year Seven is a LOT harder than I thought! Ive 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 (whos the son of popstar parents!!!) is way too cute for my liking . . .

If that wasnt bad enough, tell me why my dad has been acting weirder than usual. Hes been making TikToks (cringe!), experimenting in the kitchen (I call it attempted murder!) and hes 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!Praise for Bm Blake’s Hot Takes:Funny, warm and relatable the perfect book for tweens moving up into year seven. Jen Carney, author of The Accidental Diary of B. U. G.

A witty, wonder of a book! Lisa Thompson, author of The Goldfish BoyRelatable, funny and heartwarming! Bm Blake is sure to be everyones new favourite fictional best friend. Sharna Jackson, author of High Rise MysteryBrilliantly funny, full of heart, and the storyline had me hooked from the start I couldnt put it down! Abigail Balfe, author of This is NOT the Diary of Izzy DobsonPerfect for fans of Lottie Brooks and Dork Diaries, this fun new diary-style book with its fantastic cast of characters gives us a window into family, friendships, feelings and the very messy business of transitioning to secondary school. Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Hari Kumar, Ultimate SuperstarHonest, heartfelt and incredibly relatable, perfect for readers navigating the emotional rollercoaster of starting secondary school. Vashti Hardy, author of BrightstormFull of relatable embarrassments, drama and friendships, its packed with humour and warmth. Claire Linney, author of the Time Tub Travellers seriesFunny, witty and heartwarming with gorgeous illustrations. Diana Anyakwo, author of My Life as a Chameleon