 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Dork Diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO-Fabulous Life
- By Rachel Renee Russell
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Common Sense Media says
First in diary series thick with materialism, thin on plot.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Wimpy Kid-like book is filled with references to pop culture, including fashion labels and designers, celebrities, TV shows, food products, makeup, and magazines. While some side characters prove to be good friends, the main character, Nikki, is fairly shallow, dramatic, and self-centered. The blend of short text with illustrations may make this book appealing to reluctant readers. Parents could use it to talk about popularity and materialism with their kids.
What's the story?
When Nikki Maxwell starts eighth grade at a new school, her mother gives her a diary, Nikki would rather have a new iPhone so she can impress her schoolmates, but instead, she begins to chronicle her life through words and drawings. Readers learn about Nikki's irritating little sister, her crush on Brandon, her friends Chloe and Zoey, the popular mean girl, MacKenzie, and her tattoo art project for the art competition. The book does not follow one particular plotline, but instead, meanders through the daily life dramas of angst-ridden Nikki. It does culminate with some exciting developments -- both at the art show and with her heartthrob science lab partner.
Is it any good?
This book and its sequel are frequently on The New York Times bestseller list and may draw in fans of Wimpy Kid books. But while the formula is similar, the protagonist here is not as appealing. While some kids may find Nikki's daily dramas humorous, her obsession with fashion, tech gadgets, pop stars, TV, and makeup make her come across as shallow. Even at the book's end, it is hard to know what is actually likable about Nikki. Other characters remain stereotypes: the jocks, the mean, popular blond girls, the irritating little sister, the embarrassing parents, the dorky good friends, the one honest guy. Reluctant readers may appreciate the
relatively short chapters interspersed with drawings -- and the book may provide short-term light enjoyment for
some tweens. But is not likely to leave a meaningful or lasting
impression.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about popularity. What makes a person popular? How do material things -- like the iPhone Nikki wants -- impact status?
What do you think about the book's title? Why do we often hear stories told by outsiders, like dorks and wimpy kids? What can their stories teach us?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 9 years old
April 23, 2011
AGE
i like it it shars her fellings
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Kid, 10 years old
May 5, 2011
AGE
Good book!
I love this book! It's very funny, and it's entertaining!
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AGE
Boring and not funny.
This book, Dork Diaries, isn't a bad book, but the message is, "popularity is the most important thing ever." The narrator is a bit fickle and muddled, making the story quite confusing. There are LOTS of stereotypical characters in this book too. The book is boring and it's not funny.
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Kid, 10 years old
March 28, 2011
AGE
An OK book
I think it's an OK book, but the role models are horrible. Nikki talks a lot about boys, and she and her friends rate them. They keep talking about their dream date, and they act like girlie-girls. One time one of the really popular girls trip Nikki, and she falls on the floor, spilling all of her spaghetti on herself, while everybody laughs at her except Brandon, her dream date,who she is very shy about. He helps her up,and gives her napkins. She smiles a thank you to him. OK. I guess I shouldn't give any more of the story away. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Kid, 11 years old
April 10, 2011
AGE
Funny Wimpy Kid For Girls
I read this book last year, and i loved it! It was funny, though there was a lot of consumerism.
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AGE
amaziiiiiig
very nice well i am 16 but read it when i was 10 its omg soooo good
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AGE
I, Being a Tomboy, Hated It
It's a bunch of girly garbage. I don't really think that Nicky is that interesting a character. It was a heart attack for me.
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Kid, 11 years old
April 18, 2011
AGE
I don't like how the characters look down on themselves
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Kid, 10 years old
March 24, 2011
AGE
I loved the book so much! Please read it ! Eve though it looks like it is copying Diary of a Wimpy Kid it doesnt mean it is not good I think it is perfect for girls to read!
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| Author: | Rachel Renee Russell |
| Illustrator: | Rachel Renee Russell |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Contemporary Fiction |
| Publisher: | Aladdin |
| Publication date: | June 2, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 288 |
| Hardcover price: | $12.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 13 |
| Read aloud: | 10 |
| Read alone: | 12 |
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