DIARY OF A WIMPY KID by Jeff Kinney

Bibliography
Kinney, Jeff. 2007. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID. Ills. Jeff Kinney. New York, NY: Amulet Books.


Plot Summary
Greg Heffley is given a journal (not a diary!) by his mother and begins to write and draw about his day to day life in it. Greg writes about everything from dealing with parents to bullies, girls to teachers.


Critical Analysis

Kinney's writing is a fast-paced read for young children who will delight in his lines drawings and humorous characters that are relatable to almost all kids. Greg has many endearing characteristics and his thoughts, feelings, and surroundings are realistic to those of a middle-school aged boy. The dialogue between Greg and his family, friends, and people at school is true to form but should stand the test of time as it does not rely too heavily on modern slang and jargon. Most of the books big events are believable and readers can identify with the big theme of not fitting in and being bullied. Kinney's style is well-recepted and most loved by those children who do not always want to spend their time reading.

Review Excerpts
Review in School Library Journal: "...an excellent choice for reluctant readers..."
Starred Review in Publishers Weekly: "Kinney has a gift for believable preteen dialogue and narration..."


Connections
*Read the other DIARY books by Kinney
*Have students create their own journal or short "novel in cartoons"
*Discuss relationships between self and siblings, parents, teachers, friends, etc.
*Play a "secret word" game
*Discuss "wimpiness" and "geekiness" or "nerdiness" - what do these words mean? How do they feel when you are on the receiving end? How does it feel to be the one who says them? Is it a bad thing?