Books in the series Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is the hilarious and relatable first book in Jeff Kinney's wildly popular series. It follows Greg Heffley as he navigates the treacherous waters of middle school, where he’s stuck between "undersized weaklings" and kids who are already shaving. Through a unique blend of handwritten notes and comic-style drawings, Greg records his daily struggles with popularity, family, and his best friend Rowley. This book is perfect for children who love funny stories that mirror the real-life awkwardness of growing up.

Ideal for readers interested in humorous realistic fiction, this story captures the essence of the middle school experience and the challenges of fitting in. Whether Greg is trying to avoid the dreaded "Cheese Touch" or plotting ways to become the most popular kid in school, his voice is authentically funny and engaging. It is a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy visual storytelling and fast-paced, episodic chapters that keep them turning the pages.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school humor and awkward social situations.
• Engaging hybrid format of text and comic illustrations.
• Explores the complexities of childhood friendships and peer pressure.
• Perfect for fans of funny, character-driven series.

Greg Heffley is back for another year of middle school, and this time, the stakes are even higher. After a summer vacation he’d rather forget, Greg is desperate to keep a humiliating secret under wraps. Unfortunately, his older brother Rodrick knows everything and isn't afraid to use it as leverage. This hilarious sequel captures the awkwardness of growing up, the frustrations of family life, and the constant struggle to climb the social ladder at school.

Perfect for children who love funny, relatable stories told through a mix of text and comic-style illustrations, Rodrick Rules is an ideal choice for reluctant readers. The diary format makes it accessible and engaging, while the themes of sibling rivalry and school survival resonate with kids everywhere. Whether your child is a fan of the first book or just starting the series, they will find Greg’s misadventures both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly relatable.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school humor and awkward social situations.
• Engaging diary format with funny cartoon illustrations.
• Explores the complex and often hilarious dynamic between siblings.
• Great for reluctant readers who prefer visual storytelling.

The Last Straw is the hilarious third installment in Jeff Kinney's record-breaking Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. In this volume, Greg Heffley faces his biggest challenge yet: his father’s mission to toughen him up. From being signed up for organized soccer to the looming threat of military school, Greg must use all his wit and sidestepping skills to remain his true, un-athletic self. This book is perfect for children who love funny, relatable stories about the awkwardness of middle school and the trials of family life.

Ideal for readers interested in highly illustrated novels, Greg’s deadpan humor and cartoon sketches make this a great choice for reluctant readers. Parents will appreciate how the story explores themes of self-identity and father-son dynamics with a lighthearted touch. Whether Greg is ruining a soccer season or sending anonymous valentines, his mishaps are sure to keep young readers laughing from start to finish.

Highlights:

• Engaging blend of text and comic-style illustrations.
• Relatable middle school scenarios and family dynamics.
• Perfect for fans of humorous, diary-style fiction.
• Encourages reading through laugh-out-loud storytelling.

In Dog Days, the fourth installment of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is ready for the ultimate summer vacation: staying indoors, closing the curtains, and playing video games. However, his mother has a very different vision of summer fun, involving outdoor activities and family togetherness. As Greg navigates the challenges of a public pool, a disastrous camping trip, and the arrival of a new dog, readers are treated to the signature humor and relatable awkwardness that defines the series.

This book is perfect for children who love funny, fast-paced stories told through a mix of text and comic-style illustrations. It is an ideal choice for reluctant readers who might be intimidated by dense blocks of text but are drawn in by Greg's hilarious observations and mishaps. Parents looking for a relatable coming-of-age story that captures the essence of middle school life will find this a great addition to their child's bookshelf.

Highlights:

• Hilarious and relatable middle-school struggles that keep kids laughing.
• Unique diary-style format with engaging illustrations perfect for visual learners.
• Explores themes of family dynamics and the push for independence during summer break.
• Great choice for fans of Big Nate or Dork Diaries.

In the fifth installment of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is finally facing the "ugly truth" about growing up. As he navigates the complexities of middle school, Greg finds himself dealing with more responsibilities, awkward physical changes, and the realization that his childhood is quickly slipping away. With his best friend Rowley out of the picture for a while, Greg must face the challenges of boy-girl parties, increased homework, and the dreaded "The Talk" all on his own.

Jeff Kinney’s signature blend of hilarious text and iconic line drawings makes this book a perfect choice for reluctant readers and fans of funny, relatable stories. It captures the universal anxieties of pre-adolescence with wit and charm, making it an ideal read for children interested in realistic fiction that doesn't take itself too seriously. This book is a great choice for parents looking to engage their middle-grade readers with a story that mirrors their own school-day experiences while providing plenty of laughs.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school struggles told through a humorous and honest lens.
• Engaging hybrid format of text and comic-style illustrations that appeals to all reading levels.
• Explores the changing dynamics of childhood friendships and family expectations.
• Perfect for fans of the Big Nate, Dork Diaries, or Middle School series.

In The Third Wheel, the seventh installment of the record-breaking Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley finds himself in a frantic scramble to secure a date for the upcoming Valentine's Day dance. Middle school is already a minefield of social awkwardness, but the pressure of a formal dance turns Greg's world upside down. Alongside his best friend Rowley, Greg navigates the highs and lows of school life, proving that even the best-laid plans can lead to hilarious disasters. This book is a perfect choice for children who love relatable humor and the unique hybrid format of text and comic illustrations.

Ideal for readers interested in funny stories about friendship and the trials of growing up, Jeff Kinney’s signature style keeps kids engaged from start to finish. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or a long-time fan of the series, Greg’s misadventures provide endless entertainment and a comforting reminder that they aren't the only ones feeling a bit 'wimpy' sometimes. It’s a great choice for parents looking to encourage a love of reading through relatable, laugh-out-loud storytelling.

Highlights:

• Hilarious exploration of middle school social dynamics and the 'big dance' pressure.
• Engaging hybrid format with funny illustrations that appeal to visual learners.
• Relatable characters and situations that resonate with kids aged 8-12.
• A fast-paced, accessible plot that keeps reluctant readers turning pages.

In Hard Luck, the eighth installment of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley finds himself in a bit of a pickle. His long-time best friend, Rowley Jefferson, has officially ditched him for a girlfriend, leaving Greg to navigate the treacherous waters of middle school alone. Desperate to find a replacement, Greg attempts to train a new best friend, but soon realizes that finding a loyal companion is harder than it looks. To make matters worse, his eccentric extended family is moving in, adding even more chaos to his already complicated life.

This book is perfect for children who love relatable humor and stories about the ups and downs of school life. Jeff Kinney’s signature blend of witty text and hilarious illustrations makes this an ideal choice for reluctant readers and fans of graphic novels. Whether Greg is dealing with feral cousins or trying to change his luck with a Magic 8-Ball, readers will find themselves laughing out loud at his relatable misfortunes. It is a great choice for kids who enjoy seeing the awkward side of growing up handled with charm and comedy.

Highlights:

• Explores the changing dynamics of childhood friendships when romantic interests enter the picture.
• Features the iconic 50% words, 50% cartoons format that keeps readers engaged.
• Includes a hilarious subplot involving Greg's extended family and feral cousins.
• Perfect for fans of funny, realistic fiction and middle school survival stories.

The Long Haul is the ninth installment in the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, following Greg Heffley as his family embarks on a cross-country road trip. What starts as a quest for family bonding quickly devolves into a series of hilarious disasters, including a run-in with a "Beard-O" family, a runaway pig, and the dreaded gas station bathrooms. This book is perfect for children who love slapstick humor and relatable family dynamics, making it an ideal choice for reluctant readers who prefer a mix of text and illustrations.

Greg’s honest and often cynical perspective provides a laugh-out-loud experience for middle-grade readers. Parents looking for engaging stories that capture the chaotic reality of family vacations will find this a great choice for keeping kids entertained during travel or quiet time. It’s a fantastic addition to any young reader's library, especially those who enjoy stories about overcoming embarrassing situations and surviving the ups and downs of growing up.

Highlights:

• Hilarious illustrations that bring Greg's misadventures to life.
• Relatable themes of family bonding and the stress of road trips.
• Perfect for fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and funny graphic novels.
• Engaging format that appeals to both avid and reluctant readers.

In the tenth installment of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley faces his biggest challenge yet: the great outdoors. When his town decides to "unplug" for a weekend and his parents insist that life was better in the old days, Greg finds himself struggling to survive without the comforts of modern technology. Things go from bad to worse when he is sent to Hardscrabble Farm for a week-long school trip, where he must contend with hard labor, outdoor living, and the terrifying legend of Silas Scratch.

Jeff Kinney’s signature blend of 50% words and 50% cartoons makes this an ideal choice for reluctant readers and fans of visual storytelling. This book is perfect for children who love laugh-out-loud humor and relatable tales of middle school awkwardness. Whether your child is a long-time fan of Greg Heffley or new to the series, Old School offers a hilarious exploration of the generation gap and the struggle to adapt to a world without electronics. It is a great choice for parents looking to encourage independent reading through engaging, high-interest content.

Highlights:

• Hilarious commentary on the differences between modern life and the "old days."
• Engaging hybrid format of text and comic illustrations that appeals to all reading levels.
• Relatable themes of school trips, friendship dynamics, and family expectations.
• Perfect for fans of funny, realistic fiction and graphic novel hybrids.

In Double Down, the eleventh installment of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is facing a familiar struggle: his mother. Concerned that video games are turning his brain to mush, Greg’s mom pushes him to explore his creative side. With Halloween approaching, Greg decides to take her advice in the most Greg-like way possible—by making a horror movie! He hopes to get rich and famous in the process, but as usual, his ambitious plans don't exactly go according to script.

This book is perfect for children who love funny, relatable stories about the trials of middle school and family life. Ideal for readers interested in a mix of text and hilarious illustrations, it keeps even the most reluctant readers engaged from start to finish. Whether Greg is dealing with a bag of gummy worms or trying to navigate the social minefield of a school party, his misadventures are guaranteed to provide plenty of laughs for the whole family.

Highlights:

• A hilarious blend of 50% text and 50% cartoons that makes reading fun and accessible.
• Relatable themes of parental pressure, school struggles, and the desire for fame.
• A spooky Halloween-themed backdrop that adds extra excitement to Greg's schemes.

In The Getaway, Greg Heffley and his family decide to skip town and head to a tropical island resort to escape the cold weather and the stress of the holiday season. What was supposed to be a relaxing vacation in paradise quickly turns into a hilarious nightmare of sun poisoning, stomach troubles, and venomous creatures. As the Heffleys struggle to navigate the pitfalls of international travel, Greg finds himself in one awkward situation after another, proving that even a luxury resort can't save him from his own bad luck.

This twelfth installment in the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is perfect for children who love laugh-out-loud humor and relatable family drama. Ideal for readers interested in funny stories about travel disasters and the chaos of family life, it remains a great choice for reluctant readers thanks to its engaging hybrid format of text and comic illustrations. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing the Heffleys outside their usual suburban environment, facing the unexpected challenges of a tropical getaway.

Highlights:

• Hilarious depiction of family vacation mishaps and travel stress.
• Engaging mix of text and comic-style illustrations that appeal to all readers.
• Relatable themes of sibling rivalry and trying to fit in.
• Fast-paced plot that keeps middle-grade readers entertained from start to finish.

When a massive snowstorm shuts down Greg Heffley’s middle school, his quiet neighborhood transforms into a wintry battlefield. In The Meltdown, the thirteenth installment of the global sensation Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Greg and his best friend Rowley Jefferson find themselves caught in the middle of an epic neighborhood-wide war. From massive snow forts to intense territory battles and high-stakes snowball fights, the stakes have never been higher for our favorite "wimpy" protagonist.

This book is a perfect choice for children who love fast-paced, humorous stories that blend text with hilarious illustrations. Ideal for readers interested in relatable school-life struggles and slapstick comedy, Jeff Kinney’s signature style keeps even the most reluctant readers engaged. Whether your child is a long-time fan of the series or looking for a great entry point into funny graphic novels, this winter-themed adventure offers non-stop laughter and excitement.

Highlights:

• Action-packed neighborhood "warfare" with creative snow-based strategy.
• Relatable middle school humor and the enduring friendship of Greg and Rowley.
• Highly engaging hybrid format with 50% text and 50% cartoons.
• Great for encouraging reluctant readers with its accessible and funny storytelling.

In Wrecking Ball, the fourteenth installment of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley and his family face their biggest challenge yet: home renovations. When an unexpected inheritance provides the funds for a house makeover, the Heffleys think they are moving up in the world. However, they soon realize that construction is anything but smooth. From unwelcome critters and toxic mold to walls literally coming down, Greg finds himself in the middle of a hilarious disaster zone.

This book is perfect for children who love funny, relatable stories about the chaos of family life. Jeff Kinney’s signature blend of 50% words and 50% cartoons makes it an ideal choice for readers interested in graphic novels or those who might be intimidated by text-heavy books. It is a great choice for fans of the series and new readers alike who enjoy slapstick humor and the awkward trials of middle school. As the dust settles, the Heffleys must decide if their house is still a home or if it's time to move on to a new adventure.

Highlights:

• A hilarious look at the stresses and surprises of home improvement projects.
• Engaging hybrid format with illustrations on every page to support reading comprehension.
• Relatable family dynamics and middle-school humor that keeps kids laughing.

In The Deep End, the fifteenth installment of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley and his family hit the road for a cross-country camping trip. What starts as an ambitious plan for a classic family vacation quickly turns into a series of hilarious disasters. From being stranded at an RV park that isn't quite the paradise they expected to facing a sudden downpour that threatens to wash away their summer, the Heffleys find themselves in over their heads.

This book is perfect for children who love laugh-out-loud humor and relatable family dynamics. Jeff Kinney’s signature blend of text and comic illustrations makes it an ideal choice for readers interested in fast-paced stories that keep them engaged from start to finish. Whether your child is a long-time fan of Greg Heffley or a reluctant reader looking for something fun, this adventure offers plenty of entertainment and heart.

Highlights:

• A hilarious look at family vacations and the unexpected challenges of the great outdoors.
• Engaging hybrid format with illustrations that support reading comprehension.
• Relatable themes of resilience and making the best of a bad situation.
• A great choice for fans of funny, contemporary middle-grade fiction.

In Big Shot, the sixteenth installment of the hilarious Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley finds himself in unfamiliar territory: the basketball court. After a disastrous school field day, Greg is ready to hang up his sneakers for good. However, his mom convinces him to give sports one last shot. To his surprise, he makes the cut—but for the town's worst team. This laugh-out-loud story is perfect for children who love relatable humor, underdog stories, and the chaotic world of middle school athletics.

As the season progresses, Greg and his teammates face uphill battles and slim chances of winning. Ideal for readers interested in sports and those who enjoy the signature doodle-heavy format of Jeff Kinney’s work, this book explores what it means to be a team player when the odds are stacked against you. It is a great choice for reluctant readers who appreciate fast-paced, funny narratives that mirror the real-life struggles of growing up.

Highlights:

• A hilarious look at middle school sports and the pressure to succeed.
• Engaging hybrid format with illustrations that appeal to visual learners.
• Relatable themes of perseverance and finding one's place on a team.
• Perfect for fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and funny realistic fiction.

In Diper Överlöde, the 17th installment of the globally beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley discovers that the path to rock stardom is anything but glamorous. When Greg decides to join his brother Rodrick’s band, Löded Diper, on their quest for fame, he quickly realizes he is in for a wild ride. From grueling late-night rehearsals to the chaos of unpaid gigs and constant band bickering, Greg gets a front-row seat to the hilarious and often messy reality of the music industry.

This book is perfect for children who love laugh-out-loud humor and the signature hybrid diary-comic format that Jeff Kinney pioneered. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about sibling dynamics, perseverance, and the awkwardness of growing up. Whether your child is a long-time fan of Greg Heffley or looking for a relatable and funny new read, this volume delivers the wit and charm that makes the series a staple for middle-grade readers.

Highlights:

• Explores the hilarious and chaotic world of amateur rock bands.
• Focuses on the evolving and funny relationship between Greg and his brother Rodrick.
• Features the iconic line-art illustrations that engage reluctant readers.
• A great pick for fans of Big Nate or The Terrible Two.

In No Brainer, the 18th installment of the globally beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley finds himself in a race against time to save his middle school. While Greg isn't usually the biggest fan of his crumbling school building, the threat of closure becomes personal when he realizes he might be separated from his best friend, Rowley Jefferson. This hilarious adventure follows Greg and his classmates as they navigate bureaucratic hurdles and school-wide chaos to keep their community together.

This book is perfect for children who love funny, relatable stories about the ups and downs of middle school life. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in hybrid novels that blend text with expressive comic illustrations, making it particularly engaging for reluctant readers. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing Greg take on a more active role in his community, while new readers will find the humor and situations instantly recognizable.

Highlights:

• Engaging hybrid format with hilarious comic illustrations on every page.
• Relatable themes of friendship, school spirit, and navigating change.
• Fast-paced humor that appeals to both avid and reluctant readers.
• A heartwarming look at how a community comes together to save what matters.

In the nineteenth installment of the globally beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is back for a summer vacation that is anything but relaxing. When his family heads to a beach house for some sun and fun, they quickly realize that one enormous family plus one cramped house equals a total meltdown. With no air conditioning, zero privacy, and a collection of awkward family secrets coming to light, Greg must navigate the most chaotic summer of his life.

Jeff Kinney delivers another laugh-out-loud adventure that is perfect for children who love humorous graphic novels and relatable middle school stories. This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in family dynamics and those who enjoy seeing Greg's hilarious attempts to survive everyday disasters. Whether your child is a long-time fan of the series or a reluctant reader looking for something engaging, Hot Mess provides heatwave-level awkwardness and non-stop entertainment.

Highlights:

• Relatable and hilarious family vacation mishaps that keep readers laughing.
• Engaging hybrid format of text and comic illustrations perfect for reluctant readers.
• A great choice for fans of the series looking for more of Greg Heffley's signature perspective.