Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Module 13: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Module 13: Graphic Novels and Series Books
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney


Kinney, J. (2007) Diary of a Wimpy Kid. New York, NY: Amulet Books.

Plot Summary
As Greg Heffley begins middle school, he decides to keep a journal to he wants to give people something when they ask him questions once he is famous, and because his mother wants him to keep a diary. Greg goes through his day-to-day life along with his own commentary. He is also plagued by his bullying older brother, Rodrick; his spoiled younger brother, Manny; and his frustrating parents, Frank and Susan.

Over the course of the year, Greg must deal with fitting in and frustrations with family and friends. Examples include, running and hiding from teenagers on Halloween; Rowley becoming popular when he breaks his arm; and being a tree in the school's Wizard of Oz play.The most notable and well remembered part of the book was when the older kids force Rowley and Greg to each the Cheese, which was associated with a form of cooties called the Cheese Touch. Although Greg is able to escape the Cheese by claiming to be allergic, Rowley eats it. When the other kids see that the Cheese is gone, Greg claims to have thrown it away to protect Rowley. This reunites Greg and Rowley after their previous fight.

Impressions
I am going to be honest. This book was not my cup of tea. I usually have this problem when a book simply documents events rather than having a mission. I didn't really feel like the book was going anywhere because there wasn't one overarching conflict. Diary of a Wimpy Kid was a year in the life of Greg Heffley and it didn't stick with me.

Even though it wasn't my favorite book, I can definitely see where young readers would like it. It is relatable to children entering in or attending middle school because it gives a kid's perspective on kid challenges.

Reviews
Scholastic. (n.d.) Diary of a Wimpy Kid: A Novel in Cartoons [Book Review]. Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/diary-wimpy-kid#cart/cleanup

"Author/illustrator Jeff Kinney recalls the growing pains of school life and introduces a new kind of hero who epitomizes the challenges fo being a kid. As Greg says in his diary, 'Just don't expect me to be all Dear Diary this and Dear Diary that.' Luckily for us, what Greg Heffley says he won't do and what he actually does are two very different things."

Kirkus Review (n.d.) Diary of a Wimpy Kid: A Novel in Cartoons [Book Review]. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jeff-kinney/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid/

"Largely through his own fault, mishaps seem to plague Greg at every turn, from the minor freak-outs of finding himself permanently seated in class between two pierced stoners and then being saddled with his mom for a substitute teacher, to being forced to wrestle in gym with a weird classmate who has invited him to view his 'secret freckle.' Presented in a mix of legible 'hand-lettered' text and lots of simple cartoon illustrations with the punch lines often in dialogue balloons, Greg’s escapades, unwavering self-interest and sardonic commentary are a hoot and a half—certain to elicit both gales of giggles and winces of sympathy (not to mention recognition) from young readers."
Library Use Suggestions
This book series is incredibly popular with children. There is no denying it. I would suggest either hosting a Diary of a Wimpy Kid party or book club as a way of bringing readers together over their similar interest. The party can be hosted as a celebration of a new book release or just for fun. In a book club setting, each book could be read and discussed each month.

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