Writing in Martian

Surrounded by emotional immaturity, Wayne, Bron and Mikki make a pact to write honestly in their diaries and exchange them when they leave school. The result is a triple insight into a fortnight's events: this in itself is appealing- there's a voyeur in each of us. The problem lies in the uneven nature of the writing. There is striking imagery, strong and memorable, but some clumsy stereotyping, too. Mikki as the abrasive 'wild child' is given some particularly embarrassing lines: 'On hold, sis. Your tush stays on the bed.' This is a fast and entertaining read for Year 9 pupils upwards which would have benefited from firmer editing.