Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a series of fiction books written by American author and cartoonist Jeff Kinney. All of the books are about the main character, Greg Heffley, a middle school student who tries to become popular. The books have been very successful, selling more than 150 million copies worldwide.
So, which Diary of a Wimpy Kid book is the best? Read on to find out!
The first Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, simply titled Diary of a Wimpy Kid, was published in 2007 and chronicles Greg’s struggles in seventh grade. Many middle schoolers can relate to Greg’s experiences, making this an relatable and enjoyable read. The book was so successful that it spawned nine sequels, with the most recent one being published in 2019.
But with 12 books in the series, which ones are the best? Here is a list of the top 3 Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, perfect for kids aged 8-12.
While all of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are great, there is one clear standout: The Third Wheel. Published in 2012, The Third Wheel follows Greg as he tries to find a date for Valentine’s Day. Along the way, he learns some valuable lessons about friendship and love. The Third Wheel is not only the best Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, but it’s also one of the best children’s books period! Here’s three more top picks that stand out:
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal – This is the first book in the series and it is still one of the best. It follows main character Greg Heffley as he starts middle school and tries to navigate the social hierarchy. Kids will laugh out loud at Greg’s antics and feel relieved that they’re not alone in their struggles.
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules – In this second book, Greg has to deal with his annoying older brother Rodrick. Again, Jeff Kinney does an excellent job at depicting sibling relationships in a relatable and funny way. This is definitely one of the funniest books in the series.
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw – In the third book, Greg’s dad becomes fed up with his wimpy ways and decides to send him to military school. Greg then has to come up with a plan to escape military school before it’s too late. This is one of the more suspenseful books in the series and it will keep kids on the edge of their seats until the very end.
If you’re looking for a funny, relatable read, then look no further than the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. These books have sold over 150 million copies for a reason! While all of the entries in the series are great, The Third Wheel is the clear standout. So grab a copy and enjoy!