ISBN: 9780810993136
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID chronicles the day to day experiences of middle schooler, Greg Heffley. It is printed on wide-ruled notebook paper with doodle-like illustrations on each page. As Greg himself said, "The only reason I agreed to do this at all is because I figure later on when I'm rich and famous, I'll have better things to do than answer people's stupid questions all day long. So this book is gonna come in handy."
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Greg's narration is presented in perfunctory journal entries that feature the clever ways he maneuvers through middle school society. Running for class treasurer, being chased by high school kids on Halloween, surviving a wrestling unit in P.E. are just some of the ordeals that regale the reader. "Well, I Found out today that the kind of wrestling Mr. Underwood is teaching is COMPLETELY different from the kind they do on TV...there's not even a ring with ropes around it. It's just basically a sweaty mat that smells like it's never been washed before."
Although Greg appears to be a somewhat greedy, cynical, and inconsiderate kid, Kinney manages the themes of family, friendship and loyalty and combines a twist of sarcastic humor that is appealing to young readers.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Kirkus Reviews:
"...certain to elicit both gales of giggles and winces of sympathy (not to mention recognition) from young readers."
The Horn Book Guide
"Kinney's writing and illustrations are filled with laugh-out-loud kid humor."
CONNECTIONS
*Other books by Jeff Kinney:
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES, 2008.
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LAST STRAW, 2009.
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DO IT YOURSELF BOOK, 2008.
*Other books with related themes:
FLASHCARDS OF MY LIFE: A NOVEL by Charise Mericle Harper, 2006.
MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF: A YEAR TOLD THROUGH STUFF by Jennifer L. Holm, 2007.
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