The Detention Diaries: Worse than Jail

If Arthur Guppy can avoid detentions for a term, he will get a MetaVR 3000, top of the range, virtual reality headset for Christmas. Naturally, he is trying his hardest to be good; unfortunately, although he means well, he hasn’t quite got the guile or self-awareness to avoid trouble. So, by the time the book starts, our hapless hero is already in detention. His diary tells the story of how he got sent there.

The Detention Diaries: Worse than Jail comprises frankly written entries, accompanied by lively line drawings. As you read, you discover all the ludicrous scrapes Arthur has got himself into and all the ways he has dodged detention by a whisker - until, eventually his luck runs out.

As well as gaining an insight into the trials and tribulations of Arthur's life, you will get drawn into the mystery of the missing school axolotls, much beloved by the new headteacher, Ms Clench. There are lashings of groanworthy puns and bucketloads of bodily functions. The unsophisticated toilet humour gives the book that thrill of naughtiness which often appeals in lower key stage two.

It's a highly accessible read. The text is simply written and every page is illustrated; the school setting is predictable and the kind of situations Arthur finds himself in are likely to feel familiar too. Arthur very clearly from a particular type of family (his mother takes mindfulness classes while his father favours doing Pilates in micro-shorts) but the embarrassment that they cause him will be familiar to children whatever their background. One of those titles which can help children snigger their way to confidence with chapter books.

240 pages / Reviewed by Louisa Farrow, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+

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+