DIARY OF A WIMPY KID by Jeff Kinney

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kinney, Jeff. 2007. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID. New York: Amulet Books. ISBN 0810994550.

PLOT SUMMARY

Greg Heffley chronicles his first year of middle school in a journal, “not a diary,” where each entry is accompanied by a cartoon sketch. Wanting to be popular and a hit with the girls, Greg’s social ineptness holds him back from achieving his dream of popularity. Greg suffers many trials in his first year, such as getting kicked off the Safety Patrol or losing out as Class Clown, but he takes comfort in knowing that at least he is not the guy who “ate the _ _ _ _ _ _.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Middle school students will have no problem identifying with wimpy kid, Greg Heffley. Students will be able to relate to Greg’s wish to be popular, but feeling like it is something that can’t quite be achieved. As for Greg's take on popularity, “Nowadays, it’s a whole lot more complicated. Now it’s about the kind of clothes you wear or how rich you are or if you have a cute butt or whatever.”

Author Jeff Kinney’s childlike cartoons and writing style are consistent with a journal that might be kept by an adolescent boy. The language and thought processes are also typical for a middle school student, such as when Greg writes in his journal, “Let me tell you, it’s not easy writing thank-you notes for stuff you didn’t want in the first place.” Kinney’s illustrations also provide supplementary details and context for the story line.

This is a book that all tweens will enjoy and struggling readers especially can connect with. Short, large print sentences connected by graphic illustrations will keep tweens turning the pages to find out the next unfortunate event that befalls Greg as he tries to make it through each day.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S

KIRKUS REVIEW: “Presented in a mix of legible "hand-lettered" text and lots of simple cartoon illustrations with the punch lines often in dialogue balloons, Greg's escapades, unwavering self-interest and sardonic commentary are a hoot and a half--certain to elicit both gales of giggles and winces of sympathy (not to mention recognition) from young readers.”

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Kinney ably skewers familiar aspects of junior high life, from dealing with the mysteries of what makes someone popular to the trauma of a ‘wrestling unit’ in gym class. His print debut should keep readers in stitches, eagerly anticipating Greg's further adventures.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Kinney's background as a cartoonist is apparent in this hybrid book that falls somewhere between traditional prose and graphic novel. It offers some of the same adventures as the Web book, but there are enough new subplots to entertain Funbrain followers. This version is more pared down, and the pace moves quickly. The first of three installments, it is an excellent choice for reluctant readers, but more experienced readers will also find much to enjoy and relate to in one seventh grader's view of the everyday trials and tribulations of middle school.”

CONNECTIONS

Students could be encouraged to keep their own journal for a semester or the school year.

Other books in the DIARY OF A WIMPY KID series:
Kinney, Jeff. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES. ISBN 0810994739
Kinney, Jeff. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LAST STRAW. ISBN 0810970686

Other books about surviving middle school:
Holm, Jennifer L. MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF : A YEAR TOLD THROUGH STUFF. ISBN 0689852819
O'Dell, Kathleen. AGNES PARKER-- KEEPING COOL IN MIDDLE SCHOOL. ISBN 0803730780.
Moss, Marissa. AMELIA’S MIDDLE SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE. ISBN 1416979875