The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ is a funny diary of a young English boy who feels superior to most adults and schoolmates. Like many comedic YA books most of the adults are bizarre acting, irrational, simpletons, while the teens have to hold the family together and dealing with their own problems at the same time. In her simple short diary entries Sue Townsend has painted a picture of one clever, ambitious and nerdy boy who has to deal with a temporary family breakup, a newly unemployed father, poverty, school bullies, zany teachers and falling in love.
The story is woven so that we get daily snapshots of Adrian’s thoughts on all of the things that are happening to him along with some public events, his aspirations, fears, annoyances and desires. The story is funny although a bit dated and Anglo-centric which may make it less accessible to North American teens. On the other hand this story may be more interesting to those who have a fascination with all things English. The book is an easy read and appropriate for boys who may feel slightly out of touch with the average non-nerdy teens in their school.
Townsend, Sue (1982) The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾. Toronto: Penguin.
