Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Author: Jeff Kinney
Publisher: Ammulet Books
Release Date: April 1 2007
Pages: 217

Boys don’t keep diaries—or do they?

The launch of an exciting and innovatively illustrated new series narrated by an unforgettable kid every family can relate to

It’s a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you’re ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.

In book one of this debut series, Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley’s star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion.

Author/illustrator Jeff Kinney recalls the growing pains of school life and introduces a new kind of hero who epitomizes the challenges of being a kid. As Greg says in his diary, “Just don’t expect me to be all ‘Dear Diary’ this and ‘Dear Diary’ that.” Luckily for us, what Greg Heffley says he won’t do and what he actually does are two very different things.

Since its launch in May 2004 on Funbrain.com, the Web version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid has been viewed by 20 million unique online readers. This year, it is averaging 70,000 readers a day.

My Review:

I had the opportunity to study this book in my Young Adult and Children’s Literature class at college and I am really glad we did. I thought that this book is hilarious! I was seriously laughing all night while reading it. The illustrations are really clever and fun to look at. The author himself drew them himself, which makes this a special read. It is in a journal form, which may encourage kids to start one on their own.

Greg is such a funny and brilliant character. Greg is very prone to funny situations and hysterical outcomes, which makes this read so humorous. Readers will enjoy Greg’s experiences in life and the situations he tends to get himself into. Greg is often so clueless about what would have kept him out of trouble and why his parents, friends, and teachers are always upset with him. Greg mistreats his friend Rowley more than a few times, but it comes back to haunt him eventually. I really loved the character Rowley. He is the underdog, but such a sweet character.

From the smelly cheese to the bulling of Rowley, this book will keep you rolling with laughter. I enjoyed it immensely! And I hope you will too!

Watch Out For: Bullies, car chase, dangerous stunts, and a group of teens force a character to eat something disgusting.