Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Having an older brother in a garage band is difficult enough; having one who enjoys making life harder is a different problem entirely. The second book in Jeff Kinney's series puts Greg Heffley and Rodrick in constant low-level conflict, through a school dance, a run of pranks and the everyday embarrassments of being the younger one. Cartoon panels carry a good share of the humour, and the journal entries keep chapters short. Sibling rivalry, family misreadings and adolescent awkwardness drive the plot without ever getting heavy. Where its appeal lies: • The second title in Jeff Kinney's illustrated middle-grade series • Greg's rivalry with his older brother Rodrick at the centre of the story • Journal entries and comic drawings alternating from start to finish • Written for independent readers in the eight to twelve bracket Good for children moving into longer books, parents building a home library and series collectors, published by Penguin Publications and stocked at Boipoka.