Books in the series Dork Diaries

Nikki Maxwell is the ultimate underdog in Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life. Starting eighth grade at a prestigious new private school where she doesn't feel like she fits in, Nikki chronicles her daily struggles, triumphs, and "total dork" moments in her hilarious, doodle-filled diary. From her epic battle with her mom for a smartphone to navigating the treacherous waters of middle school social hierarchies, Nikki's voice is authentic, funny, and deeply relatable for any child facing the pressures of growing up.

This book is a fantastic choice for readers who love stories about friendship, school drama, and finding one's place in the world. The unique format, blending text with expressive comic-style illustrations, makes it an ideal pick for reluctant readers or those who enjoy the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Parents will appreciate the positive messages about staying true to oneself despite the influence of "mean girls" and the importance of loyal friends like Chloe and Zoey.

Highlights:

• Highly engaging diary format with fun illustrations on every page.
• Relatable stories about school crushes, family antics, and social challenges.
• Encourages self-acceptance and celebrates individuality.
• Perfect for fans of illustrated middle grade fiction and humor.

Nikki Maxwell is back in the second installment of the Dork Diaries series, and this time she is facing a major social dilemma. Between navigating her new school and hanging out with her best friends Chloe and Zoey, Nikki’s life is finally looking up—especially since her crush, Brandon, asked her to be his lab partner! However, things take a cringeworthy turn when Nikki overhears the school’s mean girl, MacKenzie, bragging about going to the Halloween dance with Brandon. Heartbroken, Nikki agrees to spend the night at a children’s party with her little sister, only to realize later that MacKenzie might have been lying. Now, Nikki has to juggle two different events at once without getting caught!

This book is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series but are looking for a relatable female perspective. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about navigating middle school drama, managing friendships, and dealing with first crushes. The diary-style format, filled with hilarious sketches and relatable "dork" moments, makes it a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy visual storytelling and fast-paced humor.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama involving friendships and "mean girls."
• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations on every page.
• Heartwarming family moments and a sweet, innocent first crush.
• Encourages self-acceptance and staying true to oneself despite social pressure.

Nikki Maxwell is back in Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star, and this time, the drama is hitting a high note! When a talent competition comes to school, Nikki is determined to show off her skills, but things get complicated when her arch-nemesis, MacKenzie Hollister, tries to steal the spotlight. This hilarious installment follows Nikki as she navigates the ups and downs of middle school friendships, secret crushes, and the pressure of performing in front of her peers.

Perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, this book is an ideal choice for readers interested in relatable school stories told through a mix of text and expressive doodles. It’s a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced, funny narratives that tackle real-life issues like social anxiety and staying true to oneself. Parents will appreciate the positive messages about perseverance and the importance of loyal friends.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama and humor
• Engaging hybrid format with fun illustrations
• Themes of friendship and self-confidence
• Fast-paced and accessible for reluctant readers

Nikki Maxwell is back in Dork Diaries 4: Tales from a Not-So-Graceful Ice Princess, and this time she is hitting the ice for a good cause! When Nikki discovers that her crush Brandon volunteers at a local animal shelter that is in danger of closing, she decides to enter an ice-skating competition to raise money. The only problem? Nikki can barely stand on skates, let alone perform a routine. This hilarious installment is perfect for children who love stories about overcoming embarrassment and helping others.

Ideal for readers interested in relatable middle school drama, this book combines funny diary entries with expressive illustrations. Fans of the series will enjoy watching Nikki navigate her rivalry with the mean girl MacKenzie while trying to stay upright on the rink. It is a great choice for kids who enjoy the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series but want a story focused on female friendships and heartfelt themes. With its engaging format, it is especially appealing to reluctant readers who enjoy visual storytelling.

Highlights:

• A heartwarming story about supporting local animal shelters and charity.
• Relatable middle school humor and awkward social situations.
• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations on every page.
• Themes of perseverance and staying true to yourself despite obstacles.

Nikki Maxwell is back and facing a brand-new challenge at Westchester Middle School! In this fifth installment of the beloved series, Nikki decides to join the school newspaper to keep an eye on her arch-nemesis, MacKenzie Hollister, who has started a mean-spirited gossip column. To her surprise, Nikki lands the role of the school's advice columnist, Miss Know-It-All. While it starts as a fun way to help her classmates, Nikki soon finds herself overwhelmed by a mountain of letters and her own personal drama. This book is perfect for children who love funny, relatable stories about navigating the ups and downs of middle school life.

Written in a charming diary format with expressive illustrations, Tales from a Not-So-Smart Miss Know-It-All is ideal for readers interested in stories about friendship, standing up to bullies, and finding one's voice. Fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series will find Nikki’s mishaps and triumphs both hilarious and heartwarming. It’s a great choice for young readers who enjoy a mix of text and art, making it an engaging and accessible read for those who might find traditional novels intimidating.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama and humor
• Engaging hybrid format with fun illustrations
• Positive messages about empathy and helping others
• A fast-paced plot that keeps young readers turning pages

In the sixth installment of the sensationally popular Dork Diaries series, Nikki Maxwell finds herself navigating the high-stakes world of middle school romance. With the biggest dance of the year approaching, Nikki is desperate for her crush, Brandon, to ask her to be his date. However, things are never simple in Nikki's world. Between the constant interference of her rival MacKenzie and her own hilarious insecurities, Nikki's diary is filled with the ups and downs of a "not-so-happy heartbreaker."

This book is perfect for children who love illustrated journals and relatable stories about the trials of growing up. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in friendship dynamics, school drama, and the awkwardness of first crushes. Rachel Renée Russell's signature blend of humor and heart makes this a great choice for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid who are looking for a female-led perspective on the middle school experience.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama involving friendships and first crushes.
• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations on every page.
• Empowering messages about staying true to oneself despite social pressure.
• A humorous and lighthearted look at navigating school rivalries.

Nikki Maxwell is back and more dramatic than ever in Dork Diaries 7: Tales from a Not-So-Glam TV Star. This time, Nikki’s life is being broadcast to the world as a reality TV crew follows her and her friends around. Between recording a hit song, attending voice lessons, and practicing dance moves, Nikki is juggling a lot. To make matters worse, her little sister Brianna is up to her usual wacky hijinks, and the constant presence of cameras is putting a strain on her relationship with her crush, Brandon. Will Nikki be able to handle the spotlight, or will the pressure of being a TV star be too much for this self-proclaimed dork?

This installment is perfect for children who love funny, relatable stories about navigating middle school and the ups and downs of friendship. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or those who enjoy hybrid graphic novels. Parents will appreciate the focus on perseverance and staying true to oneself even when the world is watching. It's a great choice for reluctant readers who are drawn in by the engaging illustrations and humorous diary-style format.

Highlights:

• Hilarious insights into the world of reality TV and fame.
• Relatable middle school drama involving friendships and first crushes.
• Engaging hybrid format with plenty of fun illustrations.
• Focuses on themes of authenticity and balancing responsibilities.

In the eighth installment of the sensationally popular Dork Diaries series, Nikki Maxwell finds herself in a truly "dork-tastic" predicament. After a mishap in gym class on April Fool’s Day, Nikki is knocked unconscious and wakes up in a wild, fractured fairy tale world. Here, her best friends Chloe and Zoey, her crush Brandon, and even her arch-nemesis MacKenzie Hollister take on the roles of classic storybook characters. From Cinderella to Little Red Riding Hood, these familiar tales get a hilarious and modern makeover that only Nikki could provide.

This book is a fantastic choice for middle grade readers who enjoy the unique blend of diary-style narration and expressive illustrations. The relatable school drama, combined with the imaginative twist of the fairy tale setting, makes it a page-turner for both dedicated fans and newcomers. It is an ideal pick for children who love stories about navigating friendships, dealing with "mean girls," and finding humor in everyday (and not-so-everyday) disasters. Parents looking for engaging books for reluctant readers will find this series particularly effective.

Highlights:

• A creative and funny reimagining of classic fairy tales through Nikki's perspective.
• Engaging graphic novel-style illustrations that appeal to reluctant readers.
• Explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and self-confidence in a relatable way.
• Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Princess Diaries.

In the ninth installment of the sensationally popular series, Nikki Maxwell faces her ultimate nightmare: her private diary has fallen into the hands of her arch-nemesis, Mackenzie Hollister! For the first time ever, readers get a glimpse into the mind of the school's "queen bee" as Mackenzie takes over the pages to share her own side of the story. It is a dramatic, hilarious, and revealing look at the social hierarchy of middle school that fans of the series have been waiting for.

This book is perfect for children who love stories about school life, friendship, and navigating the ups and downs of being a "dork." The hybrid format of text and comic-style illustrations makes it an ideal choice for readers interested in engaging, fast-paced storytelling. Whether your child is a long-time fan or new to Nikki's world, this volume offers a fresh perspective on the classic rivalry between the CCPs (Cute, Cool, and Popular) and the dorks.

Highlights:

• Features a unique perspective shift as the antagonist writes in the diary.
• Relatable middle school themes including bullying, social status, and self-acceptance.
• Highly engaging illustrations that support reading comprehension and humor.
• Great choice for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Baby-Sitters Club.

Nikki Maxwell is back in the tenth installment of the sensationally popular Dork Diaries series. In Tales from a Not-So-Perfect Pet Sitter, Nikki and her best friends Chloe and Zoey, along with her crush Brandon, find themselves in a ruff situation. When they discover seven adorable puppies that need a home, Nikki decides to hide them. However, keeping seven energetic dogs a secret from her parents, her annoying little sister Brianna, and the entire middle school is much harder than she anticipated—especially with her arch-nemesis MacKenzie Hollister looking for any excuse to get her in trouble.

This book is perfect for children who love diary-style storytelling filled with hilarious illustrations and relatable middle school drama. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about animal rescue, secret missions, and the importance of standing by your friends. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Smile will find Nikki's "adorkable" adventures both heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny. It’s a great choice for encouraging reluctant readers through its engaging graphic-novel-hybrid format.

Highlights:

• A hilarious and high-stakes secret mission involving seven cute puppies.
• Explores themes of responsibility, teamwork, and navigating middle school rivalries.
• Features the signature doodle-style illustrations that fans of the series adore.
• Perfect for young readers who enjoy humor mixed with realistic life lessons.

Nikki Maxwell is back, and this time she’s facing her biggest challenge yet in Tales from a Not-So-Friendly Frenemy. When a student exchange week sends Nikki to North Hampton Hills—the fancy new school of her archnemesis, MacKenzie Hollister—disaster seems inevitable. This eleventh installment in the bestselling series is perfect for children who love relatable school drama, hilarious diary entries, and the constant struggle of trying to fit in while staying true to yourself.

As Nikki navigates the halls of NHH, she discovers that MacKenzie might not even be the biggest 'mean girl' there. With her signature wit and doodle-filled pages, Nikki must find a way to survive the week without losing her mind or her friends. This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about friendship, overcoming bullying, and the importance of resilience. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Smile will find Nikki’s 'dorky' adventures absolutely irresistible.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama and humor that keeps readers engaged.
• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations on every page.
• Positive messages about staying true to yourself despite social pressure.
• Great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy visual storytelling.

Nikki Maxwell is back in the twelfth installment of the beloved Dork Diaries series, and the drama is higher than ever! As the school year winds down, Nikki is faced with a major "crush catastrophe." A new boy has entered the scene and is showing interest in her, but Nikki is terrified of hurting Brandon’s feelings. This relatable story captures the hilarious and often awkward moments of navigating middle school relationships and the pressure of making big decisions about the future.

Perfect for children who love diary-style formats and humorous illustrations, this book is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about friendship, school life, and first crushes. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Smile will find Nikki’s voice authentic and engaging. It’s a great choice for encouraging reluctant readers, as the graphic novel-hybrid style makes the pages fly by while exploring important social themes with heart and wit.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama and "crush catastrophes."
• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations.
• Explores themes of honesty, loyalty, and friendship.
• Perfect for fans of humorous, realistic fiction.

Nikki Maxwell is back in the thirteenth installment of the blockbuster Dork Diaries series, and this time, it is her birthday! Nikki and her best friends, Chloe and Zoey, have been dreaming of an epic celebration, but there is a major snag: her mom has put a strict limit on the budget. Just when Nikki is ready to give up on her birthday dreams, a series of unexpected twists and help from a surprising source turn everything around. This relatable and hilarious story captures the highs and lows of middle school life, making it a perfect choice for readers who enjoy diary-style narratives and humorous illustrations.

Ideal for children who love Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Smile, this book explores themes of friendship, family dynamics, and staying true to oneself even when things do not go as planned. Parents will appreciate the positive messages about perseverance and the importance of supportive friends. Whether your child is a long-time fan of Nikki Maxwell or new to the series, this birthday-themed adventure is a great choice for encouraging independent reading and a love for storytelling. The blend of text and art makes it particularly accessible for reluctant readers who enjoy visual storytelling.

Highlights:

• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations throughout.
• Relatable middle school drama that resonates with young readers.
• Focuses on the value of friendship and creative problem-solving.
• Part of a bestselling series that keeps kids excited about reading.
• Perfect for fans of contemporary realistic fiction and humor.

Nikki Maxwell is back and ready for the summer of a lifetime! In the fourteenth installment of the hit series, Nikki and her band are hitting the road as the opening act for the world-famous Bad Boyz. It is a dream come true for any middle schooler, but the excitement quickly turns into a hilarious disaster when Nikki discovers her arch-nemesis, MacKenzie Hollister, has joined the tour as a social media intern. To make matters worse, Nikki finds out she has to share a room with her frenemy! Will Nikki survive the drama of life on tour, or will her summer go from awesome to awful?

This book is perfect for children who love funny, relatable stories about navigating friendships and school rivalries. Written in a diary format with expressive illustrations, it is an ideal choice for readers interested in graphic novels and humorous fiction. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Smile will find Nikki's dorky adventures both entertaining and heartwarming. It is a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced plots and visual storytelling.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama and friendship themes.
• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations.
• Humorous take on dealing with frenemies and social challenges.
• Perfect for fans of the Dork Diaries series and similar graphic novels.

Nikki Maxwell is back and more relatable than ever in the fifteenth installment of the beloved Dork Diaries series. This time, the drama goes international as Nikki and her band head to the city of lights—Paris! However, what was supposed to be a posh adventure quickly turns into a series of hilarious mishaps. From language barriers to unexpected roadblocks, Nikki must navigate the challenges of traveling abroad while keeping her cool. It is a perfect choice for children who love diary-style storytelling and humorous coming-of-age tales.

Ideal for readers interested in friendship dynamics and middle school life, this book combines engaging illustrations with a fast-paced plot. Parents will appreciate how the story encourages perseverance and problem-solving as Nikki tries to save her band's big break. Whether your child is a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer looking for a fun summer read, this Parisian escapade offers plenty of laughs and heart. It is a great choice for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Smile.

Highlights:

• A fun-filled international adventure set in the iconic city of Paris.
• Relatable middle school humor and diary-style illustrations that keep kids engaged.
• Strong themes of friendship, teamwork, and overcoming embarrassing obstacles.
• Perfect for reluctant readers who enjoy graphic-heavy storytelling and fast-paced plots.