As this is a diary, there are no uses of challenging words, targeting a younger audience as opposed to an older audience. There is widespread use of capitalization throughout the text to help exaggerate and express urgency, as well as the use of slang and terms such as “doorman” and “slam book,” to indicate that this is a younger writer. The use of metaphors is quite evident throughout the novel, which is evident when Greg's older brother Rodrick says, "Come down, Baby Hippo!" (Kinney, 2007). The use of metaphors adds more flavor to a text, drawing attention to the specific characteristics compared to create expression. Jeff Kinney effectively uses a variety of literary elements to explore the ideas of bullying and self-exploration, through Greg's struggles in the novel Diary of a Rubbish Kid. Kinney successfully highlights the effects of these themes through issues such as popularity, to significantly show the importance of friendship over being