DIARY OF A WIMPY KID BY JEFF KINNEY

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kinney, Jeff. 2007. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID. New York, NY: Abrams. ISBN 978-0-8109-8391-5
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This incredibly popular book series by Jeff Kinney resonates with the preteen set. The books are written journal style by a middle-class, middle school boy named Greg Heffley. In Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Greg writes about the trials and tribulations he must endure in his life.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jeff Kinney humorously writes this series from a twelve-year-old boy’s perspective. The author’s intimate understanding of the young adolescent’s egocentric mindset results in writing that is authentic to the preteen experience. Children can relate to Greg and the trials he endures. In addition, it gives children the opportunity to see some of their behaviors and beliefs from a different perspective. In Diary of a Wimpy Kid., Greg and his friend Rowley have a love/hate relationship. For example, Greg is upset and throws a football at Rowley while he is riding a Big Wheel that Greg is upset, breaking Rowley’s finger. Then, he gets angry when Rowley gets attention from girls because he is injured. Greg is self-centered and immature. He is also feels misunderstood and cannot understand why other people do not see the world as he does. Parents will enjoy this book as much as youngsters because Kinney gives us a glimpse of the inner-workings of the Ppreadolescent mind and the thought process behind some of their most difficult to understand antics.
The stick figure illustrations, by Kinney, complement the quirkiness and offbeat humor of the book beautifully. The illustrations elicit giggles from children (and parents of young adolescents) because they capture the essence of characters and situations.
4. BOOK AWARDS AND EXCERPT(S)
New York Times Best Seller
2008 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards: Favorite Book
2009 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards: Favorite Book
ALA Notable Book
2010 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards: Favorite Book Series (winner)
Publishers Weekly **Starred Review** Kinney ably skewers familiar aspects of junior high life, from dealing with the mysteries of what makes someone popular to the trauma of a "wrestling unit" in gym class. His print debut should keep readers in stitches, eagerly anticipating Greg's further adventures.
School Library Journal **Greg is a conflicted soul: he wants to do the right thing, but the constant quest for status and girls seems to undermine his every effort.
Booklist: Greg tells his story in a series of short, episodic chapters. Most revolve around the adolescent male curse: the need to do incredibly dumb things because they seem to be a good idea at the time.
5. CONNECTIONS
Van Draanen, Wendelin. 2009. THE GECKO AND STICKY: THE GREATEST POWER. ISBN- 10 0375843760
Kinney, Jeff. 2008. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES. ISBN-10: 0810994739
Kinney, Jeff. 2008. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DO IT YOURSELF BOOK. ISBN-10: 0810979772