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Diary of a Wimpy Kid

(2007, Fiction - School, Written by Jeff Kinney)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Laugh-out-loud funny school stories with lessons.

Themes in this book include:   friendship, honesty, peer pressure
updated 09.25.09

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The story may make light of troublemaking because it's part of the humor, but there are consequences and lessons kids can easily learn about what the main character should have done. Also, the book may entice kids to start their own journals.

  • Role models:

    A big part of the book's humor is Greg's cluelessness about what would have kept him out of trouble and why his parents, teachers, and friends are upset with him. Readers get this message in the humor. Greg mistreats his underdog friend Rowley more than a few times, but this comes back to haunt him. Greg's parents try hard to lead him in the right direction; his mom is especially formidable in a few situations. Rowley's dad looks up video games on a parent Web site to see if they have too much violence.

  • Violence:

    Greg draws pictures of kids getting pushed around by bullies at school. Teens chase him in a truck and make Rowley eat something disgusting. Greg breaks Rowley's hand in a dangerous stunt.

  • Sex:

    Boys notice girls at school. Greg's older brother gets in trouble for letting their baby brother bring a magazine picture of a girl in a bikini to show-and-tell. His mom makes him apologize to all women on paper.

  • Language:

    Kids get in trouble in Independent Study for writing down all the swear words they know -- but you don't see any of the words, and it's for a pretty innocent reason. "Jerk," "morons," and "fart" are the strongest words used in the cartoons. Greg tries to listen to his brother's Parent Advisory-labeled music and gets caught.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    In an anti-smoking poster contest at school, Greg loses to a kid who he says smokes at least a pack of cigarettes a day.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Parents need to know that main character Greg usually doesn't do the right thing the first time around. His cluelessness about what would keep him out of trouble and why parents, teachers, and friends are upset with him is part of the book's humor, which leads the reader to any lesson Greg should be learning. Parents will appreciate that Rowley's dad researches video games on a parent Web site to see if they have too much violence. Also, it is clear that Greg's mom is working hard to raise respectful sons.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Greg's journal. Would you or have you ever kept a journal? Would you include art and humor in your journal? How would yours be unique?
  • Also, what do you think of Greg's friendship with Rowley? Have you had friendships like that? What would make Greg a better friend?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Diaryofawimpykid
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    Great Book

    Great book. My FAVORITE book series. A couple bad words, but no swears

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    PeanutButterLove ...
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Perfect for you,you,you and me!

    This is the BEST book anyone could ever read!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    mypikachu123
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    A very funny book for all.

    Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a very funny book. It's aimed at kids 9+ but I think that should be lower. The only concern is that some of the role models aren't good. Greg has a bad older brother who gets into trouble sometimes. And there are some kids at Greg's school that aren't nice either. There are some positive messages scattered around the book on the positive side. It's a really funny and great book and I recommend it for children 6+.

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  4. Parent Reviewer
    MEKAH
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 2.0

    LAME AND GET OFF YOUR BUTT RODRICK

    I HATE THIS BOOK BECAUSE RODRICK IS STILL IN IT AND WHENIS HE GOIN TO COLLLAGE FOR CRYIN OUT LOUD!!!!!!!

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  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Aimerzzz
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    This is a good read for everyone!!

    Love it! As I said on my profile, I love things that are either funny or cute. This one is both. Jeff Kinney creates a character that all preteens and most teenagers can relate to. The thing we love about this book is that it does have a message, however, it doesn't shove it around in your face like most other books. Jeff Kinney keeps everyone entertained by combining literature with numerous illustrations, and still using 'academic' vocabulary. Anyone who reads this WILL finish it, including my young, book-hating cousin. They can enjoy a few laughs while learning a good (but subtle) message.

    This review...

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