Ishmael has made it to the Senior School and things are really looking up. His nemesis and chief tormentor Barry Bagsley has finally decided to leave him alone, while his dream girl and chief goddess Kelly Faulkner has finally decided not to. Has he broken free of Ishmael Leseur’s Syndrome at last? Could his remaining two years At St Daniel’s College actually be described as ‘normal’?
Absolutely not.
REVIEWS:
“Ishmael Leseur is the world’s only known sufferer of ILS (Ishmael Leseur’s Syndrome)—an affliction responsible for revealing his innermost idiot to the world. Ishmael hopes senior school will see a turn in his fortunes, until he learns the girl of his dreams has moved to New Zealand weeks after their first kiss. Luckily he’s surrounded by a wonderfully eclectic group of friends, and together they navigate all that life can throw at a senior school student.
Choices and consequences are two themes subtly explored in this novel, but what really grips the reader are the characters and the friendships that bond them through all kinds of surprising revelations. Not since Fiona Wood’s Six Impossible Things have I been so beguiled by a teenage narrator’s honesty and humour—there’s barely a page where I didn’t laugh out loud at a unique comment or observation, delivered in a wonderful teen vernacular — which the author nails, without being condescending to a 15-plus reader. This is the third and final book in Michael Gerard Bauer’s ‘Ishmael’ series.” (James Paull – bookseller for Books Plus, Bathurst)
I absolutely loved this book, like hot donuts and chocolate fudge love. I am going to get myself the rest of the series, I have catching up to do!!! (A Bug in a Book – Angela Hall)
EDITIONS:
German Edition
TEACHERS NOTES: Scholastic Australia
AWARDS AND SHORTLISTINGS:
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Shortlisted for the Children’s Peace Literature Awards 2011
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Shortlisted 2012 CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers.
Michael Gerard Bauer Author 
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Hi Michael,
I’m covering the first Ishmael novel in Year 8 English and I’m now halfway through Hoops of Steel (I’m currently dreading having to perform an internal monologue from James’ perspective). This is by far the most insanely rigid series I’ve ever read. I felt more second hand embarrassment than I thought was possible; at one point I had to curl up on the floor and deliver a few anger-fueled punches to the air before I could continue reading. I loved it. This aforementioned (which is an extremely appropriate word for a serious comment such as this) surge of emotions which I kept on feeling throughout the books kept me enthralled in the series. I just want to thank you for creating such an entertaining piece and I wish you well on whatever endeavor you decide to undertake in the future.
Thanks heaps!
– Jett
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Hi Jett. Thank you so much for taking the time to send those lovely comments. So glad you’ve enjoyed spending time with Ishmael and gang. I’ve said it before but I do have a special place in my heart for readers who take the full journey through the three books. Coincidentally, just a couple of days ago, I listened to a review of DCM Ishmael by a young reader who absolutely hated it and thought it was the worst book in the world. I like your response a LOT better! Of course, I know that no book can appeal to everyone, because we are all different. I think every book has to find its tribe. So welcome to the Ishmael tribe Jett! Really pleased to have you on board. Cheers Michael
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… oh, and I also meant to say, good luck with the interior monologue. Just channel your inner Scobie and I’m sure you will nail it!
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Hi Michael,
My son Jayden loves your book, he is a keen reader but usually in the teen fantasy genre, he however, loves your Ismael series, he read your Don’t call me Ismael repeatedly and just bought the second book on iTunes.
You are going to his school this Friday, and he asked if we can buy him a hard copy third book so he can get you to autograph it. We looked for one in all the bookshops in Brisbane but can’t find one, and online order might not get us one in time.
Therefore, we are wondering if you will be bringing some books to sell on the day, if you do, he would love to have one, and he will be thrilled to have you autograph it.
Thanks
Heng
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Hi Heng. Great to hear that your son is enjoying the Ishmael series. I really enjoyed writing them. I’m looking forward to visiting your son’s school but unfortunately I won’t be bringing books to sell on Friday and I don’t have a spare copy of Hoops of Steel here. Sorry I can’t be of more help with this but I hope your son comes and says hello and maybe I can sign something else for him. Cheers Michael
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I really liked the Ishmael books, but thought it ended a bit too abruptly. Maybe you could make books on other persons perspective or maybe consider a 4th set like 10 years later?
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Hi Lel. Great to hear that you enjoyed the Ishmael books. Not sure if there will be any more but I won’t say never. A different character’s perspective might be interesting.
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Ok thanks. Btw ur coming to my school on Friday 24th. So happy!
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I’ve been to your school quite a few times. Always great to visit. See you next week!
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Hi Kane. Hoops of Steel is the third book after Don’t Call Me Ishmael and Ishmael and the Return of the Dugongs,
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Is there going to be a third book?
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Hi me Bauer,
I’ve read the first 2 Ishmael books, my mum bought them for me one day, I thought they were fabulous, they were very funny, I’ll be sad when I read Hoops of Steel, because you probably won’t be writing any more, do you know of any other book like this, because I would love to read them as well.
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Hi Sebastian
Great to hear that you are enjoying the Ishmael series. You’re right I probably won’t
write another one now that the characters have left school.
Recently I read Melissa Keil’s book Life in Outer Space which was great, so maybe try that one. Another suggestion would be Barry Jonsberg’s The Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull, and It’s Not All About You Calma.
Cheers
Michael
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