
Big Nate: In a Class by Himself
by Lincoln Peirce1 of 16
Meet Nate Wright, a self-proclaimed genius and accidental mischief-maker who is definitely destined for greatness—even if his teachers don't see it yet. In Big Nate: In a Class by Himself, readers follow Nate through a chaotic day of middle school that includes toxic oatmeal, a run-in with the school principal, and a series of unfortunate events with his nemesis, Mrs. Godfrey. Despite the hurdles, Nate remains convinced that a fortune cookie's promise of surpassing all others is about to come true.
This hilarious hybrid novel, blending traditional text with expressive comic strips, is the perfect choice for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. It captures the authentic, often awkward experience of navigating middle school with wit and relatability. Ideal for reluctant readers, Nate's energetic personality and the book's fast-paced humor make it an engaging page-turner that keeps kids laughing from start to finish.
Highlights:
- Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries.
- Engaging hybrid format with fun illustrations and comic strips.
- Relatable middle school humor that appeals to reluctant readers.
- A great introduction to a long-running, beloved series.

Big Nate: In a Class by Himself
by Lincoln Pierce1 of 16
Meet Nate Wright, a self-proclaimed genius and future legend who is currently navigating the treacherous waters of the sixth grade. In Big Nate: In a Class by Himself, readers are introduced to the hilarious world of a boy who knows he is destined for greatness—even if his teachers and the school principal don't quite see it yet. From surviving his dad's toxic oatmeal to navigating the terrifying wrath of Mrs. Godfrey (aka Godzilla), Nate's day is a non-stop series of accidental mishaps and comedic disasters.
This book is the perfect choice for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and are looking for more laugh-out-loud school adventures. With its unique blend of traditional narrative and comic-strip illustrations, it is an ideal pick for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced stories and visual humor. Parents will appreciate how the story captures the relatable struggles of middle school life while keeping the tone light, energetic, and incredibly funny. It is a great choice for encouraging independent reading through humor and relatable characters.
Highlights:
- Hilarious hybrid format combining text with expressive comic illustrations.
- Relatable middle school themes including friendship, teacher trouble, and self-identity.
- Perfect for fans of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dog Man.

Big Nate Strikes Again
by Lincoln Pierce2 of 16
Big Nate is back and ready to conquer middle school, but things aren't going exactly as planned. In Big Nate Strikes Again, our self-described genius finds himself in a double-dose of trouble. First, he is paired with his arch-nemesis, Gina, for a major class project assigned by his most-dreaded teacher, Mrs. Godfrey. To make matters even more complicated, Gina joins Nate's fleeceball team just as he is aiming for his first-ever championship title. This hilarious comic-strip novel perfectly captures the ups and downs of school life, from avoiding detention to dealing with competitive classmates.
This book is a perfect choice for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or Dog Man. It is ideal for readers interested in funny, relatable stories that combine traditional prose with engaging illustrations. Parents will appreciate how the format encourages reluctant readers to dive into a longer book while keeping them entertained with Nate's witty observations and mischievous schemes. Whether Nate is trying to outsmart Gina or lead his team to victory, his journey is filled with humor and heart.
Highlights:
- Relatable middle school setting that resonates with young readers.
- Engaging hybrid format featuring comic strips and illustrations throughout.
- Focuses on themes of teamwork, dealing with rivalry, and perseverance.
- Fast-paced humor that keeps kids laughing and turning pages.

Big Nate Strikes Again
by Lincoln Peirce2 of 16
Big Nate is back and funnier than ever in Big Nate Strikes Again, the second installment of the New York Times bestselling series. This time, Nate finds himself in a double bind: he's paired with his ultimate rival, Gina, for a major class project assigned by his "Godzilla" teacher, Mrs. Godfrey. As if school wasn't hard enough, Gina also joins Nate's fleeceball team just as he's aiming for his first-ever championship. Will Nate manage to lead his team to victory, or will Gina's perfectionism ruin his shot at glory?
Perfect for children who love Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dork Diaries, this book combines hilarious text with engaging comic-strip illustrations. It's an ideal choice for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced, relatable stories about the ups and downs of middle school life. Parents looking for books that encourage a love of reading through humor and visual storytelling will find Big Nate a fantastic addition to their child's bookshelf.
Highlights:
- Relatable middle school humor and situations that keep kids laughing.
- Engaging hybrid format of text and comic illustrations perfect for visual learners.
- Explores important themes of teamwork, perseverance, and dealing with rivals.
- A great choice for fans of Jeff Kinney and Raina Telgemeier.

Big Nate on a Roll
by Lincoln Peirce3 of 16
Big Nate is back and he is ready to win! In Big Nate on a Roll, the third installment of the New York Times bestselling series, Nate is determined to be the top scout in his troop. Everything is going great until Artur, also known as "Mr. Perfect," joins the group. Suddenly, Nate finds himself stuck in second place, and he is not happy about it. This hilarious story follows Nate's desperate and often disastrous attempts to reclaim his glory and win the grand prize. Will Nate take the top spot, or will he wipe out big time?
This book is the perfect choice for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or are fans of the animated show on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon. With its unique blend of text and comic-style illustrations, it is ideal for readers interested in funny school stories and relatable social struggles. It is a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced plots and plenty of visual humor that keeps them turning the pages. Parents will appreciate how it encourages reading through laughter and relatable middle-school drama, making it a staple for any home library.
Highlights:
- Engaging hybrid format of text and comic illustrations that appeals to visual learners.
- Relatable themes of competition, rivalry, and friendship in a scouting setting.
- Perfect for fans of humorous middle-grade series and reluctant readers.
- Awarded as a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and a Junior Library Guild selection.

Big Nate on a Roll
by Lincoln Pierce3 of 16
Big Nate is back and funnier than ever in Big Nate on a Roll, the third installment of the hit series. This time, Nate Wright is determined to be the top dog in his scout troop, but there is one major obstacle standing in his way: Artur. Known as 'Mr. Perfect,' Artur seems to succeed at everything he touches, leaving Nate stuck in a frustrating second place. As the competition for the grand prize heats up, readers will follow Nate through a series of hilarious mishaps and clever schemes as he tries to reclaim his glory.
This book is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or other hybrid graphic novels. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in funny school stories and relatable social dynamics. Parents looking for a book that encourages a love of reading through humor and engaging illustrations will find this a great choice for their kids, especially those who might be reluctant to pick up a traditional novel.
Highlights:
- Features a hilarious rivalry between Nate and the seemingly perfect Artur.
- Perfect for fans of funny school stories and scout troop adventures.
- Engaging hybrid format with plenty of comic-style illustrations.
- Great for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced, humorous plots.

Big Nate Goes for Broke
by Lincoln Peirce4 of 16
Big Nate is back and funnier than ever in Big Nate Goes for Broke, the fourth installment of the record-breaking series. This time, Nate Wright and his friends at P.S. 38 are facing their biggest challenge yet: the Ultimate Snowdown! They are determined to finally beat their rivals from Jefferson Middle School, a school that seems to win at everything. As the competition heats up, Nate must lead his team through a wintry battle of wits and creativity to prove that they have what it takes to be champions.
This book is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or the works of Raina Telgemeier. With its unique blend of traditional text and hilarious comic-strip illustrations, it is an ideal choice for reluctant readers who might find standard novels intimidating. Parents will appreciate how the story explores themes of school rivalry, teamwork, and staying positive even when the odds are stacked against you. It is a great choice for kids who enjoy humor, school-based adventures, and relatable characters who don't always get things right the first time.
Highlights:
- Engaging hybrid format featuring hilarious comic-strip illustrations.
- Relatable middle-school themes including friendship, rivalry, and perseverance.
- Fast-paced humor that keeps young readers entertained from start to finish.
- Perfect for fans of Jeff Kinney and funny, illustrated storytelling.

Big Nate Goes for Broke
by Lincoln Pierce4 of 16
Big Nate is back and funnier than ever in Big Nate Goes for Broke, the fourth installment of Lincoln Peirce's hit series. This time, Nate Wright and his friends at P.S. 38 are facing their biggest challenge yet: the Ultimate Snowdown. They are up against the bullies from Jefferson Middle School, a rival school that seems to beat them at everything from sports to academics. As the competition heats up, Nate must find a way to lead his team to victory and finally prove that they aren't just losers.
This book is a perfect choice for children who love fast-paced, hilarious stories that mirror the ups and downs of middle school life. The unique hybrid format, blending traditional text with expressive comic-strip illustrations, makes it an ideal pick for reluctant readers who might find dense novels intimidating. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries will feel right at home with Nate's sarcastic wit and relatable mishaps.
Highlights:
- Engaging mix of text and comic-strip art that keeps readers turning pages.
- Relatable themes of school rivalries, friendship, and overcoming underdog status.
- Laugh-out-loud humor that appeals to both children and parents.

Big Nate Flips Out
by Lincoln Peirce5 of 16
Big Nate is back and messier than ever in Big Nate Flips Out! Nate Wright is the undisputed king of detention and a cartooning genius, but his legendary lack of organization finally catches up with him. When Nate's sloppiness causes a major problem for his best friend, Francis, Nate realizes he needs to change his ways. Can the world's most disorganized middle schooler actually become neat, or will the pressure cause him to flip out? This hilarious installment in the New York Times bestselling series is a must-read for kids who enjoy relatable school-day struggles and laugh-out-loud antics.
This book is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and are looking for more funny, illustrated stories. It is an ideal choice for reluctant readers who are drawn to the hybrid format of text and comics. Parents will appreciate the themes of taking responsibility for one's actions and the importance of supporting friends through thick and thin. Whether your child is a long-time Nate fan or new to P.S. 38, this adventure is sure to keep them entertained from start to finish.
Highlights:
- Engaging hybrid format featuring hilarious comic strips and illustrations.
- Relatable middle school themes like friendship, school projects, and personal growth.
- Fast-paced humor that appeals to both avid and reluctant readers.
- A great lesson on the impact of personal habits on others.

Big Nate Flips Out
by Lincoln Pierce5 of 16
Big Nate is back in the fifth installment of the New York Times bestselling series! In Big Nate Flips Out, our favorite detention-prone cartoonist, Nate Wright, faces his biggest challenge yet: organization. When Nate's legendary sloppiness finally pushes his best friend Francis to the breaking point, Nate realizes he needs to change his ways. This hilarious story follows Nate's attempt to transform from a total mess into a neat freak, leading to the kind of chaotic and comedic situations that fans have come to love.
Perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, this book combines traditional prose with comic-strip illustrations, making it an ideal choice for reluctant readers or those who enjoy visual storytelling. It is a great choice for parents looking for stories that explore the ups and downs of middle school friendships and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, all while keeping the tone light and funny.
Highlights:
- Engaging hybrid format with hilarious comic illustrations.
- Relatable themes of school life, friendship, and personal growth.
- Fast-paced humor that keeps young readers entertained.
- Perfect for fans of Jeff Kinney and Lincoln Peirce.

Big Nate: In the Zone
by Lincoln Peirce6 of 16
Big Nate: In the Zone is the sixth installment in the wildly popular series by Lincoln Peirce, featuring the irrepressible Nate Wright. Nate is a self-proclaimed genius and cartooning master who usually finds himself in detention rather than the spotlight. In this hilarious adventure, Nate’s luck has hit rock bottom—until he discovers a lucky charm that flips his world upside down. Suddenly, everything Nate touches turns to gold, and he is officially 'in the zone.' But as any middle schooler knows, luck can be a fickle friend, and Nate must figure out how to stay on top before his winning streak runs out.
This illustrated novel is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or Dog Man. It combines fast-paced storytelling with funny comic strips that keep reluctant readers engaged. Parents will appreciate the relatable school-day struggles and the emphasis on resilience and friendship. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in humorous stories about navigating the ups and downs of middle school life with a creative twist.
Highlights:
- Hilarious blend of text and comic-style illustrations.
- Relatable themes of school, friendship, and overcoming bad luck.
- Perfect for fans of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
- Engaging for reluctant readers who enjoy visual storytelling.

Big Nate: In the Zone
by Lincoln Pierce6 of 16
Big Nate: In the Zone is the sixth installment in the New York Times bestselling series by Lincoln Peirce, featuring the one and only Nate Wright. Nate is a self-proclaimed cartooning genius, the king of detention, and a dedicated Cheez Doodle connoisseur. However, Nate’s luck has been at an all-time low lately. Everything changes when he gets a boost from Chad’s lucky foot, sending Nate into an unprecedented winning streak where he is finally "in the zone." This hilarious illustrated novel is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and are looking for a relatable, laugh-out-loud school story that captures the essence of being a middle school underdog.
Ideal for readers interested in school-based comedies and graphic-hybrid novels, this book captures the ups and downs of sixth-grade life with wit and charm. Whether Nate is navigating the social hierarchies of the hallway, dealing with his teachers, or trying to maintain his newfound lucky streak, his adventures are always entertaining and high-energy. It is a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced plots and plenty of expressive illustrations to keep them engaged from start to finish. Parents will appreciate the humor that appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a fantastic addition to any home library.
Highlights:
- Features the iconic humor and cartooning of the beloved Nate Wright.
- Explores themes of luck, friendship, and the chaotic reality of middle school life.
- Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries, and The Terrible Two.
- Engaging hybrid format with text and comic-style illustrations that appeal to visual learners.
- A New York Times bestselling series that has been adapted into an animated show.

Big Nate Lives It Up
by Lincoln Peirce7 of 16
Big Nate is back and funnier than ever in Big Nate Lives It Up, the seventh installment of the hit series. This time, Principal Nichols tasks Nate with a special mission: being a "buddy" to the new kid, Breckenridge Puffington III. However, Nate quickly realizes that Breckenridge is a total "fun-sponge" who prefers doodling plants over Nate's high-energy antics. As Nate tries to navigate this awkward new friendship, he discovers there might be more to Breckenridge than meets the eye. This book is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and enjoy stories filled with humor, school-day drama, and plenty of illustrations.
Ideal for readers interested in relatable school experiences and those who appreciate a protagonist who isn't exactly the teacher's pet, this novel combines a fast-paced plot with hilarious comic strips. It is a great choice for reluctant readers who are drawn to hybrid novels that blend text with visual storytelling. Parents will appreciate the themes of patience and finding common ground with people who seem different at first glance.
Highlights:
- Hilarious school-based humor that resonates with middle-grade students.
- Engaging hybrid format featuring Nate's signature doodles and comic strips.
- Explores themes of friendship, patience, and welcoming new students.
- Perfect for fans of Jeff Kinney and Lincoln Peirce’s signature comedic style.

Big Nate: Lives It Up
by Lincoln Pierce7 of 16
Introduce your child to Nate Wright, the ultimate doodler and middle school rebel. In this seventh installment of the New York Times bestselling series, Nate faces his biggest challenge yet: being assigned as a "buddy" to the new kid, Breckenridge Puffington III. While Nate is all about fun and mischief, Breckenridge is a plant-loving "fun-sponge" who seems strangely familiar. This book is a perfect choice for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and enjoy stories filled with humor, school-day antics, and relatable social struggles.
Ideal for readers interested in funny graphic novels, Big Nate: Lives It Up combines witty dialogue with Lincoln Peirce's signature comic-style illustrations. It captures the essence of middle school life—from navigating tricky friendships to dealing with quirky teachers. Parents will appreciate how this book engages even the most reluctant readers with its fast-paced plot and visual storytelling. It is a great choice for kids who want a laugh-out-loud experience while learning about patience and the unexpected bonds of friendship.
Highlights:
- Hilarious school-based adventures and relatable middle school drama.
- Engaging hybrid format with plenty of comic-style illustrations.
- Explores themes of friendship, patience, and staying true to oneself.
- Perfect for fans of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

Big Nate: Blasts Off
by Lincoln Peirce8 of 16
Introduce your child to Nate Wright, the energetic and often misunderstood protagonist of the beloved Big Nate series. In Big Nate: Blasts Off, Nate faces a whirlwind of middle school drama, from his secret crush on Ruby to a public spat with his rival, Randy Betancourt, that makes headlines in the school paper. This eighth installment in the New York Times bestselling series is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and enjoy fast-paced, funny stories about navigating the ups and downs of school life.
The story centers on Nate's resilience as he tries to bounce back from a scrap that lands him in hot water. Between dodging detention and preparing for the legendary annual Mud Bowl, Nate must use his wit and doodling skills to stay on top. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in relatable school adventures, friendship dynamics, and high-energy sports stories. Parents will appreciate how the book encourages a love of reading through its engaging hybrid format of text and comic illustrations, making it a great choice for reluctant readers.
Highlights:
- Hilarious middle school antics and relatable social situations that keep kids laughing.
- Engaging hybrid format with plenty of fun illustrations and doodles that support reading comprehension.
- Strong themes of perseverance and sportsmanship during the climactic annual Mud Bowl.

Big Nate: Blasts Off
by Lincoln Pierce8 of 16
Big Nate is back and ready for action in Big Nate: Blasts Off, the eighth installment of the New York Times bestselling series. Nate Wright, the self-proclaimed genius and coolest doodler at P.S. 38, has his hands full this time. Between navigating a major crush on Ruby and dealing with the fallout of a public scrap with his rival, Randy Betancourt, Nate's life is more chaotic than ever. To make matters worse, his reputation is on the line in the Weekly Bugle, and he has to find a way to bounce back before the annual Mud Bowl competition.
This book is a perfect choice for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or the Dog Man graphic novels. The hybrid format, which blends traditional narrative with hilarious comic strips and doodles, makes it an ideal choice for reluctant readers or those who enjoy visual storytelling. Parents will appreciate how the story explores relatable middle school themes like social standing, school rivalries, and the importance of perseverance, all while keeping the tone light and genuinely funny.
Highlights:
- Engaging hybrid format with text and comic illustrations that keep young readers hooked.
- Relatable school-based drama involving friendships, crushes, and sports.
- Hilarious protagonist whose optimistic but often misguided schemes provide constant entertainment.
- Great for fans of the Big Nate animated series on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon.
