
Big Nate: In the Zone
by Lincoln Peirce
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 Pierce
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.

Hard Luck
by Jeff Kinney
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.
