Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by Jeff Kinney

Hardcover, 2007

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Publication

Amulet Books

Description

Greg records his sixth grade experiences in a middle school where he and his best friend, Rowley, undersized weaklings amid boys who need to shave twice daily, hope just to survive, but when Rowley grows more popular, Greg must take drastic measures to save their friendship.

User reviews

LibraryThing member ShelbyJoMcKay

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is the journal of Greg. He is a middle school aged boy and is not "cool". Throughout the story he has many failed attempts as he tries to become popular. He has an older brother to deal with, a dorky friend, and is completely wimpy himself. He wants to be noticed and change his

status, but the odds are against him. Read this silly collection of stories about his day to day misfortunes.

I feel like this was a super easy read, and I enjoyed the pictures. I feel like in a lot of cases they were necessary to the story. Using this in the classroom may help to get the more undeveloped readers involved. The main character was very consumed with becoming famous and popular. I think this is a bad image to support, especially past 3rd or 4th grade. I feel like with all the pressure to be "cool" at this stage in life kids don't need anymore pressure. This would be my main concern. Also, he does not treat his friend Rowley with much respect. On the other hand, this might be a good chance for some discussions on real friendship and being true to who you are.

Like I said, the book was really easy to read. Some of the things he got into were funny. I liked how his parents were still pretty involved in his life, but not how he would sneak behind their backs to play video games and such. I think that the pictures were great, and I had never read a book of this particular sort before. I'm glad we have already broadened our horizons.

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24 more

LibraryThing member MrsBee

quick read, but not really worth it. poorly written. main character's a nobody who has no real redeeming qualities. mean to others, even his friends. makes me write ridiculous review after reading it.

LibraryThing member bplma

Wildly popular with 6th through 8th graders, the pages of Jeff Kinney's book actually looks like a diary-- albeit a very neat one with extraordinary cartoon doodles throughout. Greg Heffley is in middle school--surrounded by morons, bullies, teachers, parents and friends-- his journal is laugh out

loud funny because Heffley acts on every kids fantasy--tricking friend and foe alike without any hint of guilt. Kinney definitely understands how kids think. We cannot keep it on the shelf-- or the sequals. Always a winner.

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LibraryThing member sports-star

This is a very funny book. Greg is in middle school and he has a diary. Gregs brothers Roderic and Manny make his life harder and the book funnier.Everyone will love this book

LibraryThing member lrb209

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney is a fictional story of the life of Greg Heffley. Told through "journal" entries, Greg shares his thoughts about middle school, those in it, and the road to his future popularity.

Greg is starting out in middle school and is concerned about is small stature.

He, along with other smaller children, are forced to walk the halls with larger students who tower over them and this leads to the bullying that he and others deal with. Throughout the book he is faced with obstacles of bullying and has to finds ways around them. Greg wants fame and popularity and is willing to do anything for it. If losing his best friend means gaining popularity, then he will do it. He must find a way to fit in at school and has to find his place in the society of the hall ways. In the end, Greg accepts where he stands at the moment in his life and he accepts who his best friend is, but there is always next year for his fame and popularity.

Jeff Kinney does a wonderful job at bringing the issue of bullying and other school issues to young readers. This is a great way for younger children to understand the consequences that come along with bullying. The problems that Greg faces throughout the book can help children with problems that they are facing and help them with solutions to those problems. This book can also help children find their place in school and they learn that there is more to life than being popular. Yes, "A Brief Moment in the Life of Angus Bethune" by Chris Crutcher deals with the bullying issue; however, younger children would not connect to a high school student being bullied. Any reader has to make a connection with the text and Jeff Kinney made that possible for younger children.

After reading this book with my class:
-I would have a discussion with my class about bullying and their thoughts about it.
-I would have the children discuss amongst themselves, in groups, what other thoughts they had about the book and what they got out of the story.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" is a great book for young students to read in the classroom, as well as, in their free time. The issues that are addressed in this illustrated novel can be related to issues that children are facing and help them deal with them. This story was a great read and one that I would recommend to anyone.

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LibraryThing member abbyatkins

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, written by, Jeff Kinney is the #1 New York Times bestseller. This is an illustrated novel that is fiction. This novel is about a wimpy kid whose name is Greg Heffley. This novel basically takes place in his school and home setting. Greg's mother got him a diary instead of a

journal which he specifically ask for. Greg states, "I know what it says on the cover, but when Mom went out to buy this thing I SPECIFICALLY told her to get one that didn't say "diary" on it."' (pg. 1) This book is Greg's journal of basically his day to day life at school and home. Greg is a small young man who has one good friend who is basically a social outcast just like Greg. They both don't really fit in with anyone at school except with each other. In this story the illustrations really help the story come to life. Diary of a Wimpy Kid really gives us a great example of what is like to be a shrimp in middle school and not have many friends.

I think this story is a fun reader for someone who is maybe in middle school, but I personally got bored with the story. In my opinion, this book doesn't make a valid point . The story just tells about things that happen to Greg and his friend each day. I would definitely find much more humor in this book if I was in middle school. The issue in this book is that Greg and his friend are basically stereotyped as losers at their school and don't have any friends. I think stereotyping is one of the largest problems in schools now so, I am sure many young teenagers can relate to this book. I think that other young teenagers who are popular and what not should read this, and I would hope that maybe they wouldn't stereotype others if they do. Personally I think this book isn't written to prove a point, but more for humor. I don't think middle school students are mature enough to read this and be like oh wow we need to be nice to the nerds or losers. I believe middle school readers will read this and laugh more than learn a valid point. I am a firm believe in that stereotyping is mean and cruel, but happens to people everyday. This illustrated novel only makes me believe that does happen even more than what I think.

1. Bullying
2. Stereotyping
3. With the cool illustrations in this book the teacher could have the students definitely act out their favorite illustrations or part. The other students could guess what part it is in the book.

In my opinion, this book is written for young adolescents and is a humorous read. In this novel stereotyping, bullying, and examples of how to treat and how not to treat a friend take place. I don't think adults would find this book as a great read however, a middle school aged person should enjoy it much more. I think the main theme of this novel is that stereotyping and bullying happen everyday and students shouldn't worry about fitting in. If a reader likes small simple writing then they shouldn't read this novel.

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LibraryThing member c-dog

Diary of a Wimpy Kid was a good book for kids who like comedy. It is a bout a kid named Greg Heffley who is going through middle school and his mom get a diary and he specifically told her to get him a journal. read the book to find out the rest

LibraryThing member hbaig

It is a funny book and it is good to read for cheering up!!!!!

LibraryThing member abbylibrarian

In this cartoon novel, Greg keeps track of his thoughts as he goes through life as a skinny, short kid in the sixth grade.

I read this book on the train this morning and it was hilarious. The illustrations really add to the story, although I'm not sure I would call it a graphic novel. Highly

recommended for when you need a laugh. I laughed out loud several times in the train station and on the train. I'm sure people thought I was crazy. :)

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LibraryThing member PaigeMcIlwain

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a journal-like snapshot of the life of Greg Heffley. The book begins with Greg's first day of school; he takes readers in and out of the important issues of an adolescent. Greg worries about his popularity ranking and strives for a claim to fame and - more importantly -

acceptance. Greg has one true friend, Rowley, and the dynamics of their friendship are quite entertaining. The have big plans, but these plans never seem to get them very far. As Greg states at the beginning of this book, this is not a diary, but it is an entertaining story about a boy misunderstood by his peers, teachers, and parents.

I think this would be a super entertaining book for a middle school classroom. They could probably relate to many of the situations of the book. This book would be excellent to use with a struggling reader. The vocabulary is not difficult, and the illustrations could definitely aid in students' comprehension. If they question the meanings of any sentences or phrases, students can simply look to the illustrations for an explanation. Using the themes in the book would be another way to incorporate it into a middle school classroom. A class could examine themes of friendship, peer pressure, and insecurities. These may all be things that adolescents have doubts or questions about; therefore, delving deeper into these themes may be beneficial to students.

I thought this book was delightful. I was able to re-experience the awkwardness of adolescence through this book. At this stage, even the insignificant moments are life-changing. I love the dramatic schemes that Greg and Rowley develop, and I adore how Greg justifies all of his actions. This book is silly and quirky and over-dramatized but completely believable!

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LibraryThing member christyb2020

Summary:This book is about a boy named Greg and how he has trouble with family, friends, and his local middle school. He tries to fit in his neighborhood and usually does not succeed. Facing many troubles Greg attempts to handle them very creatively, but unfortunately his plans often backfire on

him.

Personal reaction:I liked reading this story to my school age class they really enjoyed reading it.

Classroom extension ideas:
1.The kids can rewrite their own version with a different ending
2. The kids could take a quiz on how much they remember about the story

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LibraryThing member RaymondGraham

This book is about a boy who gets bullied and decides to make a diary and a guide on how to not get bullied and cool hints on how to get through school.

This is a funny quirky book which although humorous can give some insight to kids on the the problems of bullying

Have the kids make a similar guide

on something they like, know how to do, or on something they had problems with

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LibraryThing member marvelousleah

Great for middle school age boys, the Wimpy Kid goes through all the normal problems of a pre-pubescent boy: parents' rules, older and younger siblings, trying to overcome nerdiness, first inklings that girls are attractive, etc. Written as a kid's diary with short entries and funny drawings that

add to the text. Recommended for any elementary/middle school or public library; the Wimpy Kid is relatable to most any boy.

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LibraryThing member dillon_23

Diary is realy funny! it says my friends will be so jelouse i have my own pants... And even more funny stuff!!!

LibraryThing member tiger417

I think this was a very good book.I( would recomend it to somone who likes funny books.My favorite part was when Rowley broke his hand.

LibraryThing member mgcook1

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is part of a serious that has become loved by students. In this book, the main character is quite humorous with his poor choices. He is quite an adventurous character with parents trying hard to raise him and his brother to be respectable people. The character gets himself into

so crazy situations that he only learns from afterwards (much like many kids). Many of my 5th grade students love this book because the journal-like entries make the book and easier read and help with their comprehension. This book is one in which they find it easy to relate. This is also a great choice because this book is part of a series which allows students to keep reading other books that relate to this character and his adventures.

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LibraryThing member kmacneill

I loved this book. It was so much fun to read about the main character, Greg, and his thoughts about stuff. The book was a really easy read. I think this book is great for reluctant readers. The pictures make the book more interesting and kids will be able to relate to Greg which makes this a page

turner. Students will be able to identify with this 6th grader who is going through the struggles of middle school, growing up and all the adjustments that come with it. This would be a great book for boys especially. I would use this book as inspiration for students to keep their own "graphic" journals. Kids might want to start keeping one after reading this, I know I did!

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LibraryThing member Nicole_16

Gregory, a young boy in middle school, decides to keep a journal given to him by his mother to record his life as a middle school-er. Gregory is not very popular in school and actually only has one friend, Rowley, which he does not treat like a true friend. During this story, Gregory talks about

his family and about a lot of the issues middle grades children face on a daily bases. Throughout the novel, Gregory is trying to find a way to become popular amongst his classmates.

Teachers could use this book for those who are in upper grades such as the eighth and are reading on a fifth or sixth grade level. The topics in this book will be on their interest level, and they will be able to read the whole novel. Since this book is written as a comic strip, the pictures will help the struggling reader understand the text that surrounds the pictures. Also the pictures will increase the struggling reader's interest in reading the book.

This will be an excellent book to use with middle grades students. Topics such as bullying and isolation are addressed in this book. A teacher can use this book in a literature focus unit and allow a class discussion about bullying and feeling isolated. By allowing these topics to be discussed, many children will be able to vent out worries they have while attending middle school.

This book was pretty interesting. Some parts of it was very hilarious. This book provides parents and teachers with information about the middle school students they raise and teach. I would recommend that middle graders read this book because it is of their interest and funny.

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LibraryThing member Dawson.dbes1541

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is about a kid named Gregg Hefley and is friend Rowley Jefferson. The two boys or teenagers as they like to say are in middle school. Basically the first book is about them going tricker treating and they were chased by some mean high school kids. So they

run into their grammas house and hide while there grandma isn't there. But Rowley let out a big secret and told them that the teenagers that Greggs grandma wasn't there. The teenagers waited and waited until they came and accidently scratch there truck. The kids managed to escape and ran off. But the teenagers went there school and made them eat the cheese. The cheese was a highly nasty thing. It goes on from generation to generation that if you touched the cheese that you would have the cheese touch! The teenagers made Rowley eat it. Rowley ate it and then a whole swarm of people came by. But Gregg was a good friend and said that he ate it.

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LibraryThing member sirfurboy

This is a good fun read. A story written in the form of a middle school boy's diary (or journal as he would prefer it to be known) complete with his own cartoons which are a perfect and hilarious counterpoint to his authentic pre-teen voice, that says so much by leaving out so much!

There are

various cultural references that a non American reader must interpret - usually with an eye to what we see on movies. I think middle school is like 11-14 or something, but no doubt an American reader of this comment can correct me if I am wrong.

I loved the way this book gets into the head of the boy who writes it though. Things like "The Cheese Touch" or the naming of your racing cars with rude words and such like to put off your opponent are just so reminicent of that age.

What I particularly enjoyed was the way memory and imagination can fill in so many details. The boys in one class end up making a list of rude words they don't want their robot to say. Not only was that a hilarious scene, but I could also imagine being there, and I could imagine all the conversations and hilarity that would surround that list. The description is brief but somehow it brings out so much more.

All in all this is a perfect book for 8-13s or so, and indeed anyone who remembers what it was like to be that age!

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LibraryThing member RomikaC

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" is the tale of an adolescent boy named Gregory, who gives a daily account of life as he sees it. Gregory is taunted and teased by his older brother Rodrick, which he continues the cycle of ridicule on his younger brother Manny. He often feels ignored and disregarded by his

parents. Gregory like the play victim, accusing others for his behavior, instead of taking responsibility for his own actions. His diary (journal) is an outlet for Gregory, there he's able to express himself and the events that occur in his exciting life.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" can be incorporated in classroom lessonplans to teach several lessons, such as giving students a lesson on the values of honestly. Throughout the story Gregory told many lies to avoid punishment but in the end was found out and reprimanded.
At times Gregory seemed to do things without any thought to the other person's feelings. This was evident when he harassed the kindergarteners with a worm and let Rowley take the punishment. A lesson in friendship can also be taught, because a true friend would've done that. A lesson on Bullying can/should be taught, this is a raising problem in schools today. Making students aware of the this and the steps to take if/when he/she is faced with or sees this.

This book was very comical. The illustrations were age-appropriate the black and white almost child like drawing go together well. Although entertaining I really didn't like the book but it is a book that adolescent children would enjoying.

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LibraryThing member annajamieson

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" is an illustrated novel written by Jeff Kinney in 2007. The fiction novel presents the story of Greg Heffley, an average middle schooler, and his quest to make it through.

The book begins by Greg trying to convince the reader that this is his journal and not a diary and that

it was completely his mom's idea, but as the story continues, the audience sees that this is not the case. Through his journal, he reveals his struggles as a small, unpopular guy in middle school. It seems to really bother him that he is not as popular as he would like, and being friends with Rowley does not help things because he is just as unpopular. Even though Rowley is his best friend who is there for him in everything and even let's Greg push him around sometimes, Greg goes against him and let's him take the blame for a mistake that he made. When Greg thinks Rowley will remain a pushover, he actually reveals the truth which gets Greg rightfully in trouble. After this incident, Greg and Rowley have to work out their friendship, and in the end they do.

I like this book because of its humor and style. It is written as a journal, which makes it easy and interesting to read. The illustrations also enhance the book because they help the reader to better understand what Greg is trying to say. The author mainly focuses on the issues of bullying and peer pressure. Kinney believes that bullying is a major issue in schools and shows that this is true through Greg's experiences with bigger kids. He also shows how peer pressure is such a large part of adolescents' lives through Greg and the way he went against his best friend for a shot at being a little more popular. This makes the novel very relevant to young adult readers because they are able to relate to Greg and Rowley's experiences and struggles. This novel reminds me of the short story “A Brief Moment in the Life of Angus Bethune” by Chris Crutcher because it deals with these same issues. The main character Angus also deals with unpopularity and the struggle to give into other's opinions. Both of these works are great for young adults because they teach them how remaining true to oneself always has the best outcome.

Teaching Connections:
-Have students discuss the issues of bullying and peer pressure
-Ask students to keep a journal for a certain amount of time and then illustrate it

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" is a fun and easy read. It is written for younger readers because of the style and simplicity. I would recommend this book for students in middle school or a little younger because it would be helpful for them during their time of life and would also be very relatable for them. It is a book that discusses the biggest issues for young adults in an enjoyable way.

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LibraryThing member Nicole.Virden

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" is a basically diary kept by a middle school boy named Greg. He it your typical middle school boy and he writes down most everything he experiences in his life. He writes about his school life and how he is not the coolest in school, and how he only has one or two friends. He

also writes about his family life and about his older brother who picks on him and his younger brother who gets away with everything. He also writes about things that go on with his friends like playing video games or staying always from the "cheese touch." Overall, he is a very average kid who does average things for his age.

This book reminded me of a short story we read at the beginning of the semester called, "A Brief Moment in the Life of Angus Bethune." They both talk about average young boys who sometimes get picked on and they are about the average things that young boys have to experience. Also, this book could be used in a classroom of 5th or 6th graders to teach kids to make inferences. A lot of things in the book go unsaid, but the illustrations explain what is happening so the reader is left to go by the illustration to know exactly what happened. Another thing I noticed is that this book contains vocabulary that some children might not know. For example, the word "fabrications." Most students would have to look up the meaning of that word or ask a teacher what it means. This is a way for them to broaden their vocabulary.

This book was very interesting and after reading it, I really want to buy the rest of the series. It's a very silly book that if you have a good sense of humor, will make you laugh. I found myself laughing more at this book that I really expected. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" contains most things that all middle schoolers face, like trying to fit in and also just trying to have fun and make it through school. I think that is the reason that most kids enjoy reading it. It honestly, reminded me of when I was in middle school. I did not face any of the exact things that Greg faced, but it made me remember how silly some things can be in middle school and then looking back it wasn't even really important. Definitely loved this book.

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LibraryThing member Jonathan_Walker

“Dairy of a Wimpy Kid” is a realistic fiction written by Jeff Kinney. It was published by Amulet Books in 2007. This book is about the some of the experiences that Greg Heffley faces as he enters into middle school.

“Dairy of a Wimpy Kid” is not a dairy it is a journal, as Greg would have

the reader to believe; however, Greg does write some things that would make the reader believe it is a dairy, hit the title. Middle School is the place that you earn your reputation for when you enter into high school and Greg is trying to make sure he does not get the wrong reputation, but that is hard to do when he has a friend like Rowley. Greg also draws pictures in his “journal” which helps relate how he feels about certain things and allows the reader to understand what is going on. Greg faces many challenges this semester in school like dealing with bullies, being a middle child, and being Rowley’s best friend.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and I actually laughed several times throughout the book. Kinney really captivates how middle school is for most kids these days. The main issue that I believe this book deals with is personal acceptance. Greg was not the athletic jock and he was the weird kid sitting in the corner, but he was confident with who he is. One story that reminds me of this book is Chris Crutcher’s "A Brief Moment in the Life of Angus Bethune." Both stories deal with characters that accept their differences and use those differences for the better. Yes, Greg does want to be a “cool kid” but in the end having Rowley back as his best friend is the only thing that Greg truly wants. I was never the one to follow the crowd while I was in school and by reading this book it reminded me that staying true to one’s self is better than being a follower.

Teaching points

The teacher can have student’s create their own illustrated journal. This can help with their writing skills and can allow them to use their creativity.

A great book to use to help students who do not like to read, because this book is funny and deals with issues that most students face while in middle school.

I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to any beginning reader. I do feel like it is more for a younger age group. I, personally, would not require 10th – 12th grades to read the book because it is written for a younger audience. However, I still think they would enjoy the book because it is an easy story with which to relate. The book is great for illustrating personal acceptance and the special camaraderie that exist between best friends.

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LibraryThing member Kek146

Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid, is an illustrated book that tells the story of life as a middle school student. Greg Heffley is a middle school student who is told to keep a journal, and that is how the book is written. Greg tells the cruel reality of life as a middle school student. Greg’s

whole goal is to achieve a place of acceptance and popularity. Together with his best friend, Rowley, Greg constantly attempts to make and try things that will make him cooler.

Greg is a typically awkward middle school kid looking for a way to make it through school. Greg tells life just the way it is, and emphasizes the importance of popularity and acceptance. Greg tackles the confusion of middle school with his best friend Rowley. Together the two boys demonstrate the lengths to which a middle school student will go to have a place and fit in. Greg’s “diary” tells life just as it is, and demonstrates the values that middle adolescent children hold. From weight lifting to safety patrol, Greg and Rowley live a life that is controlled by the desire to gain acceptances from their peers.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and found it extremely interesting. At the beginning, I was skeptical that the book would be dull and way below me, but I was truly entertained and found humor in the reality of what life was like in middle school. The characters are funny, and the story is entertaining and fun to read. The book raises the issues of acceptance, popularity, and just growing up. Through Greg’s story telling one is able to see that all kids want is to fit in and be cool. Growing up is something that is difficult and awkward, but it is always nice to have a best friend to grow up with. I definitely agree with the issues in the book, because I know what it was like being in middle school. The reality is that everyone is trying to establish a name for their self. However, it is extremely difficult to find out who you are and want to be. The idea of middle school cruelty and having to grow up is a reoccurring theme in many books. There is a book called The Skin I’m In, which deals with a 7th grade girl who feels she does not belong. This book presents the gender difference that is found in relation to finding oneself. Diary of a Wimpy Kid book is super relatable to many larger issues. For instances, this book alone does not have to focus with middle school. All throughout older elementary and up through high school students are trying to be something and someone. The valuable lessons in this simple illustrated novel brings to light what it is that everyone wants and desired, and that is to fit in.

•Teaching my students about the value of individuality and remaining true to yourself even though peer pressure tells you otherwise.

•Also, the idea of being more accepting and discuss the effects of bullying. The realization that how we treat a person does truly affect them.

•As for an activity, we could create an illustrated story in my class, and allow kids to creatively express their lives.

Overall, I really enjoyed the Diary of the Wimpy Kid, and found much value in this simple story. The point that is continually being driven home is that all anyone wants is to be “cool” or have a place that they fit, and this story does a great job showing where kids are willing to go to get to a place of acceptance. However, ultimately for Greg he realizes that where he wanted to be is a place where is always cool, no matter what, and that is with the person that loved him just the way he was. Rowley gives all of us hope that we will have a place. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, because it is lighthearted and fun, but also have an important message.

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