In a world where kids are stuck to their gadgets, parents are more than eager to instill the love of reading in their children. And when their kids do pick up a book, parents immediately celebrate before checking if their enthusiastic reader is enjoying a book with an admirable protagonist.
After all, parents want their kids to read good books.
So when your child raves about the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books, you know you’ve got a great thing going on. But you might think twice because Greg Heffley, the main character, may not seem like the perfect role model.
Is Diary of a Wimpy Kid Good for Kids?
Greg’s a middle school student who is a bit lazy and dishonest plus he can be a narcissist sometimes. But in the real world, there is no such thing as squeaky-clean characters. The “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books deals with real issues that children struggle with such as friendship and bullying. Greg, the protagonist, may not always have the right moral mark. But his character encourages kids to figure out what they’d do if they were in Greg’s situation.
So if you want to promote reading and practical life skills with a touch of humor, you can’t go wrong with “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” But it may be best for kids who are bit more mature.
As of writing this, the series has 15 books with “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End” being the most recent addition. Author Jeff Kinney is set to publish the 16th book in October 2021. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid also has seven supplementary books such as “Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book” and “The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary.”
To get the best reading experience, read the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books in order with your kid so that together, you can grow up with Greg and his friends.
How to Read the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books (in Chronological Order)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007)
Greg Heffley just wants to be popular in school, he writes in the journal (not diary) that his mother encouraged him to write on. Thrust in a new school where taller and meaner kids bully undersize weaklings, Greg tries his best to fit in with the cool crowd. As he tries his best to fit in with the mature and cool crowd, Greg realizes that his childish sidekick Rowley is gaining more attention than he is.
Rodrick Rules (2008)
Greg still wants to be popular in school, so he commits to carry his embarrassing summer vacation to his grave. Fortunately, it’s the start of a new school year and he gets a new journal. Unfortunately, his older brother Rodrick knows everything and threatens to expose his little brother’s secret. Can Greg make it through another year without his brother ruining his already-not-cool reputation?
The Last Straw (2009)
Greg’s father wants him to become a stronger young man by sending making him do ‘manly’ physical activities. Of course, our favorite Wimpy Kid dodges his dad’s many attempts but all of the dodging ends when his dad uses the ‘military academy’ card. Greg must discourage his dad from sending him to military school while trying to impress his crush.
Dog Days (2009)
Summer is here and Greg just wants to de-stress. Since Greg is more of an indoor person, he looks forward to serious video games and TV time, cooped up inside his dark bedroom. Unfortunately for him, his mother has another idea. She’s all for keeping the family together this summer. All of Greg’s plans are thrown out of the window in favor of his mom’s plans. To make things worse, there’s another addition to the family, leaving Greg on his own — the addition being a dog.
The Ugly Truth (2010)
Greg is starting a new school year. At the same time, he is growing up and facing new challenges like attending a school lock-in, visiting his dentist and facing the reality of puberty. Our favorite Wimpy Kid has to deal with boy-girl parties, growing responsibilities and everything awkward in-between. He could really use a best friend right now — except Greg and Rowley aren’t friends right now. Greg has to deal with all of his problems alone.
Cabin Fever (2011)
Greg is being blamed for the recent damage to the school property. But guess what? He’s actually innocent. Just as the authorities are on to him, a storm hits and Greg is stuck at home with his family. Can Greg survive cabin fever when he’s trapped with his family for DAYS?
The Third Wheel (2012)
Valentine’s Day arrives, and Greg Heffley’s world is about to be turned upside down. On the day of hugs and kisses, will he get his Valentine? His school is holding a Valentine’s Day dance and LOVE IS IN THE AIR. Greg is no Brad Pitt but he is determined to find a date for the dance. So is Rowley! Will they both find a girl or is one of them bound to become the third wheel?
Hard Luck (2013)
Rowley has a girlfriend (Spoiler: it’s their date from “The Third Wheel.” Sorry Greg). Abigail and Rowley are now together and Greg feels left out. His mom attempts to comfort him by telling him that “Friends come and go, but family is forever.” But when your brother is Rodrick, Greg turns to other people instead. He then depends on a Magic 8 ball to make decisions for him.
The Long Haul (2014)
Greg and his family are going on a road trip! It’s another summer holiday and Greg’s mom continues to pursue “family togetherness” by taking everyone on a mini-van road trip. A skeptical Greg has every right to be skeptical as he spends his vacation with his crazy family.
Old School (2015)
Everything is backward for Greg in the 10th Diary of a Wimpy Kid book. The entire town decides to go electronic-free and Greg doesn’t think he can live without gadgets, especially with tensions growing outside and inside their home. Can Greg survive or is his journal his new best friend?
Double Down (2016)
Greg explores his creative side this Halloween as frights are coming everywhere. His biggest fright comes from his mom who is reprimanding him for playing too many video games. So, he has no choice but be more creative. He plays an instrument, attends a wild Halloween party and makes a movie with Rowley.
The Getaway (2017)
In Book 12, Greg’s mom is still persistent at getting the family together. But they’re not going to Disneyland. The Heffley family decides to go on a relaxing holiday together so they board a plane to a tropical resort. Soon, they discover that their tropical paradise isn’t paradise at all. Expect Greg and the family to encounter venomous creatures, sun-poisoning.
The Meltdown (2018)
It’s winter so Greg and Rowley participate in some good-old snowball fight. Who could resist the snow when the entire neighborhood has been transformed into a snowy battlefield? Everyone’s fighting over their snow territory, as well as setting up their snow forts. Everyone is all over the place! Can Greg win this winter war?
Wrecking Ball (2019)
The Heffleys had just received a surprising inheritance from Aunt Reba. Although they mourn her loss, the family (well, their mom mostly) is excited to start on some new home renovation projects. But things don’t go according to plan. Everything goes wrong with their construction plans and Greg’s school was hit by a funding cut.
The Deep End (2020)
It’s summertime again and the Heffleys want to get away from the heat. Sadly, they don’t have the funds to enjoy an overseas trip. So Greg and his family go on a cross-country camping trip. But as always, things don’t go Greg’s way. Let’s not mention an unfortunate incident with his swimming trunks.
Upcoming Diary of Wimpy Kid Book
As mentioned, Jeff Kinney will release the 16th book in October 2021. The book, titled “Big Shot,” tackles Greg’s official retirement from any sports-related activity. But as usual, his mom forces him out of his comfort zone. So Greg tries basketball and ends up in the worst team ever. Can they still win their first game despite their crazy team dynamics?
The “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books may have questionable characters but it’s a fun way to get your kids to think critically and make their own moral judgments. The books can also prompt important family conversations, which is why it’s important to read with your kids, especially the younger ones. Parents can ask their kids, “What would you do in this situation?” and can teach them about social problem-solving.
Finally, it encourages a love for reading. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is an easy-to-read book accompanied with fun illustrations. Your kids will enjoy the drawing and the stories!
So if you want your kids to ditch the Barbie movies or Nintendo Switch, Greg Heffley is here! Get your kids away from their gadgets and into more books by reading the “Diary of the Wimpy Kid” books in order with them!
