When Old Tommo, the science teacher at Ashbury Old Common Comprehensive School told 9T about the field trip to Bird Island, no one expected the strange turn of events when a sudden storm maroons six oddly assorted characters. Martin Lloyd, the fairly popular but totally irresponsible form 'wit' should have become the natural leader of the group, but this task falls to Matthew Neville, the aloof and misunderstood class brainbox, when Martin unaccountably disappears. Tony and Darren, Martin's henchmen, are not sure where their loyalty should lie, while Joanne is more concerned with the effect of the ordeal on her looks and wants to go home as quickly as possible. Helped by Alison, who has more than her fair share of problems at home, Matthew tries to unravel the mystery of Bird Island, and it soon becomes obvious that they have sadly misjudged the lonely boy. All the teenagers learn a great deal about themselves during their brief stay on the island and how not to judge others on their appearance or background. Their relationships with each other mature and develop and Alison learns that adults often have just as many worries and fears as herself. They all find out that if you 'Scratch the Surface' you will often find a great deal more than you ever imagined. Further adventures of this group of teenagers are to be found in 'Beneath the Surface' by Susan H Trought