I wish Edyth Bulbring had been writing when I was young, but being a good 40 years older than her usual target market has not prevented me from enjoying her books thoroughly.

The Snitch takes us an environment at which Bulbring excels, the South African Middle school - that hive of teenagers, teachers and trouble.

Thirteen-year-old Ben Smith illustrates the 18 rules of surviving senior school, and the dire consequences of breaking Rule # 15: Never Tell Your Mom Stuff. The whole school turns against him when he is accused of being a snitch: a serious topic, but brilliantly written and laugh-out-loud funny ( )