The Detention Diaries: Worse than Jail

Arthur Guppy is having a tough time! The school axolotls, Wet Willie and Mad Maxolotl, have been kidnapped. Miss Clench, the head teacher, is distraught and, even worse, Arthur has become the prime suspect in the disappearance. With the help of his best friend, Carlos Chickens, Arthur is determined to solve the mystery of the missing axolotls, and clear his name.

The Detention Diaries: Worse than Jail is a well-written, laugh-out-loud book that will appeal to both boys and girls, and particularly reluctant readers. Presented in a diary format, the novel is fast-paced and easily accessible. Arthur is a great character, funny, clever and loyal to his friend Carlos. The two boys do everything together and some of their adventures are hilarious, involving stapled trousers and fake beards made out of nit-infested hair. Arthur somehow avoids detentions, sometimes by the skin of his teeth.

At home, we meet Arthur’s Pilates loving father, his long-suffering mother, and twin siblings Geoff and Willow, along with the family dog - also called Arthur! My proof copy of the novel did not include all of the illustrations, but those that were there, by Dominic Trevett, were a perfect addition to the text.

I really enjoyed this clever, funny book. I particularly loved the moment when Arthur is talking to his dad and becomes upset. He tries to hide his tears, but dad tells him not to do this, saying "Don't ever be ashamed of showing emotions, because emotions show you care." By the end of the novel Arthur and Carlos's friendship group has expanded substantially and they have been accepted into the Fooligans gang.

The story comes to a satisfactory conclusion, and sets us up nicely for a sequel. I can't wait to meet Arthur Guppy and his friends again, and am already looking forward to their next adventure. I can see that this book will become a classroom and library favourite. Highly recommended.

240 pages / Reviewed by Beverley Somerset, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+