Rabi's frank and entertaining schoolgirl diary records much more than mere everyday events. The high and low points of friendships, loyalties and betrayals plus Rabi's own growing awareness of herself and her true values shine through, and she records everything with a humour and honesty that can't fail to delight. The Macmillan Writer's Prize for Africa aims to celebrate and promote the very best in story writing from all over the continent. For the first time in 2006, a new prize for illustration was awarded in recognition of the importance of pictures in Children's books. The three winners of the 2006 competition were chosen from over 500 entries, illustrating the enthusiasm and talent that continue to grow and flourish within the continent. An independent judging panel, made up of experienced children's authors, were particularly impressed by the originality of so many entries in portraying characters and stories that touched them. The winning stories demonstrate vitality of writing and contain intriguing insights into contemporary Africa. They spark the imagination and never lose sight of the intended young audience.