It's no ordinary Thursday for Marvin Redpost and his class...It's "hole day," and even Mrs. North and Principal McCabe are wearing their very worst clothes. It seemed like a fun idea that morning, but now they're expecting company. The president -- of the United States! -- is on his way. And there's no time to change! Marvin must do math on the blackboard with television cameras pointed at him. And the day is just beginning!

Louis Sachar lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Carla, their daughter, Sherre, and their two dogs, Lucky and Tippy. In his spare time Louis likes to play bridge. Carla likes to read. Sherre likes to play with her friends. Lucky likes to catch Frisbees. Tippy likes to chew up shoes, fan letters, and Sherre's favorite toys. They all try to be good citizens, except, perhaps, Tippy.