This adventure story for boys (aged 8/9 upwards) deals with the trials of a thirteen year old, Jack Banks, sent to boarding school in England. His parents remain in S.W.Asia where his father is an agricultural adviser for the U.N. Jack's initial reception is tough for a shy boy, but he survives this and makes new friends, especially Ginger and a comically valiant small boy known as Mickey. Jack's troubles really begin when he is asked to take care of Themba, the extrovert son of a famous scientist, a black American Professor. This task takes him on a venture well outside the school walls. In the process Jack makes the biggest discovery of his life. There is also a SEQUEL to the above story called "Jack Banks on Trial."]