Set #3:Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Kinney, J. (2007). Diary of a wimpy kid Greg Heffley's journal. New York: Amulet Books.

The diary entries made by Greg chronicle the minefield that is the life of a middle school student. Greg is not popular or physically fit, but he is a great reader and artist.Greg and Rowely (his best friend)  spend   their days avoiding bullies, trying to be popular, and managing teacher expectations.  Greg struggles with doing the right thing in ethical situations. When Greg does not take responsibility for a poor decision , he loses his best friend. After a major altercation with some bullies, he regains his friend and life as a middle schools student goes on.  Kinney has created in a distinct style with the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid", series.  The graphic features add a comic book quality to his novels.  Everyone has doodled at one time or another.  The characters are well developed and authentic.  I feel that the themes of belonging, mischief, and friendship are universal themes.  Everyone can relate and that is what makes this book special.  The movie is good, but does not match the magic of Jeff Kinney's book.