Diary Of A Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

Also reviewed by Mindy.

Summary: The launch of an exciting and innovatively illustrated new series narrated by an unforgettable kid every family can relate to.

It's a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you’re ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.

In book one of this debut series, Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley's star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion. (Summary and image from Powells.com)

My Review: I can see why this is fun for middle school kids. You feel like you're a super fast reader, blazing through pages faster than you ever typically do in a 200+ page book. Overall, it's ok. I've been told that people laugh out loud while reading it, but that was not the case for me. It has many situations and themes I'm sure are universal; again, I couldn't quite relate to the character that well. The pictures probably make the book. Without them, the book would fall flat for me. If you're looking for depth, I don't think you'll find it here. Overall, it's fun and easy reading.

My Rating: 3.5 Stars for me--definitely a 4, possibly a 5 for kids.

Sum it up: Comic-book meets novel--a starter series for young (4-5th grade) or struggling readers in middle school.