Danny Shine loves comic books. He reads them, draws them, trades and buys them. Danny Shine is what many would consider a geek, but he doesn't want to be considered a geek. Unfortunately, this gets thrown in his face when he ends up on The Loser List on the girl's bathroom wall. Trying to get his name off that list gets Danny in detention where he has to deal with The Skulls, a group of delinquents and bullies who rule the school. He makes some wrong decisions along the way and learns the value of friendship and accepting who he is.

The book's layout is fun and easy to read with a print font on lined paper resembling notes in a notebook. The main character's drawings are scattered abundantly throughout the book—some very gross and macabre and others funny. I can see how the book will appeal to middle-grade boy readers. My 10 year-old daughter read it and liked it saying, “It was good but it's a boy book.” I was convinced the author was male but it turns out I was wrong.

The author builds the story and characters well, almost effortlessly it would seem. I finished the book in one day and appreciated all the elements of a good plot.

I furrowed my brow at a few things, though. School staff isn't portrayed in a good light—incompetent, oblivious, and unfair. I understand this book has a cartoonish quality to it, but still, having worked as a special care counsellor in several elementary schools, I would like to think there is some control and caring in our schools.

Apart from this, I liked the story and I think fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid will enjoy this one.

SIMILAR ARTICLES