Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Paperback, Amulet Books)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Jeff Kinney

Let’s get one thing straight: Greg Heffley is not keeping a diary. It is a journal, and he only agreed to it because his mom bought it for him. Still, if he is going to be famous one day, it might be useful to have a record of his middle school years, especially since he is surrounded by morons.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the first book in Jeff Kinney’s phenomenally popular series, introduces readers to Greg, a small, scheming and very relatable kid trying to survive the jungle of middle school. Greg is convinced he deserves to be more popular, and he comes up with plan after plan to climb the social ladder, though none of them work out quite the way he hopes.

Along the way, readers meet Greg’s family, including his heavy-metal-loving older brother Rodrick, his spoiled little brother Manny, and his well-meaning parents, as well as his loyal, cheerful best friend, Rowley, whose surprising popularity drives Greg crazy. Greg’s adventures include a terrifying Halloween haunted house, a disastrous school play, a wrestling unit in gym class, a safety patrol mishap and the dreaded Cheese Touch.

Written as Greg’s handwritten journal and packed with Kinney’s funny cartoon drawings, the book is fast, funny and easy to read, making it a favorite with children, including those who are not keen readers.

Laugh-out-loud funny, Diary of a Wimpy Kid launched one of the bestselling children’s series in history, along with films and a devoted global fan base. It is a perfect choice for readers aged around eight to twelve and a great gift for young fans.