Diary of a Wimpy Kid

My newspaper comic strip had just finished its run, and I was looking for my next big thing. That’s when I came across Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

The drawings were simple and hilarious, and the clever writing didn’t seem to be just for kids. Greg Heffley has this flawed prickly everyman edge which makes him easy to identify with. But as good as this book and series are, I was more impressed with the new way Jeff Kinney had found to sneak comics into chapter books. 

My grandson James loves these books. They show that growing up is not a solitary adventure, and the problems that come up can often be solved with humor, friendship, and being true to oneself.

Sometimes the kid doesn't do what he says he's going to do, and it backfires. Lesson learned. Overall, James likes the humor in the books.

Greg, the wimp, is really not a wimp. He comes out ahead when he does what he's supposed to do, at times reluctantly, but he's got friends in high and low places. That helps.

Underdogs unite! I can’t resist a story of an underdog and there’s no better than one than Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

As a fellow middle school “wimpy kid,” I could definitely relate to Greg’s quest to fit in. This book has so many LOL moments, I’ve lost count. All I can say is thank goodness my middle school didn’t have anything called “the cheese touch,” because I surely would have caught it! 

A classic. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a proven franchise that can springboard reluctant readers into other literary and visual works. This fun beginner’s book for the middle-grade audience does one thing very well: entertain. As Greg Hefley navigates the ups and downs of middle school one thing remains certain: nothing goes according to plan for Greg. Filled with funny jokes, humorous plot twists, and a whole lot of goofy moments, Diary of a Wimpy kid will certainly hold a reluctant reader’s attention. I know it did for me as Diary of a Wimpy Kid was the second book… show more.

My son, who is now eight, despised reading—to the point where he would do anything to avoid it. Seeing him re-read an entire series is beyond exciting for me—not to mention, the stories and characters remind me of the students I teach: Goofy, curious, naive, inquisitive, and caring.

What I like about The Dairy of a Wimpy Kid is that Jeff Kinney mixes in doodles and comic-like drawings to add to the main character’s wild thoughts, concerns, ideas, and accounts.

It’s also very funny. I love hearing my son laugh out loud as he turns each page. He’ll even stop… show more.

My youngest son was a reluctant reader and the king of sarcasm at an early age. So finding books that had humor in them seemed to encourage him to read. What I hadn’t counted on was how funny I found this book. I kept this book even after he was grown. I pick it up any time I want to laugh and be reminded that if I could go back in time, the last place I would want to go to would be middle school. An easy read, complete with illustrations. I like books that have great family values but… show more.

I read this entire series on my son’s recommendation and literally cried from laughing so hard. Resiliency might not be the first word that comes to mind with these books, but to me, Greg’s story is a classic example of how this trait comes into play in the everyday lives of children and their families. Even though Greg rarely triumphs, he keeps leaning into life and new experiences. And that’s what resiliency is all about—we don't have to experience horrific poverty or a war to develop it within ourselves :)