Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Kinney, J. (2007). Diary of a wimpy kid.  New York: Amulet Books.

The combination novel/ comic tells of the junior high ups and downs of Gregory and his friend Rowley. Gregory has his trials and tribulations with his family, friends and school including wrestling class, Halloween, being a tree in the school play, and his role in safety patrol. When Gregory lets Rowley take the fall for a prank he played on the Kindergarten students, Rowley decides to not be his friend for a time. The final conflict between the two boys is when they argue over who is the creator of the comic “Zoo Wee Mama”. Gregory doesn’t always make the right choices, and occasionally suffers the consequences because of it.

This realistic fiction novel is great for students transitioning from beginning chapter books to reading novels. The narrative is easy going and kid friendly which students third grade and up will clearly relate to with its quirky sense of humor. The main characters of the book both struggle socially and coming of age in junior high is anything but easy. Gregory’s unusual perspective on social complexities makes this a favorite pick among students. The Wimpy Kid series will have its eleventh title published this November.