Parents' Guide to

Dork Diaries 6: Tales from a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker

By Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Graphic novel is funny but light on content, long on drama.

Book Rachel Renee Russell Coming of Age 2013
Dork Diaries 6: Tales from a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 11+

Based on 3 parent reviews

swampfoxsouth
swampfoxsouth Parent of 11-year-old
March 24, 2023
age 11+

The Life of a Freshman Dork review by tucker martin

CSM LANGUAGE GUIDE: More swearing and insults than in past Life of a Dork movies. Infrequent use of "s--tty," "a--hole," "sons of bitches," "freakin'," "jackass," "hell," "dammit," "pissant," "d--k," and a memorable phrase of "life just kicks you in the goddamn balls."
swampfoxsouth
swampfoxsouth Parent of 11-year-old
March 24, 2023
age 11+

The Life of a Freshman Dork review by tucker martin

CSM LANGUAGE GUIDE: More swearing and insults than in past Life of a Dork movies. Infrequent use of "s--tty," "a--hole," "sons of bitches," "freakin'," "jackass," "hell," "dammit," "pissant," "d--k," and a memorable phrase of "life just kicks you in the goddamn balls."
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Nikki's back and the Valentine's Day dance is on her mind -- oh, and passing her swim class in gym. The drama is at an all-time high after a series of texts jeopardizes her friendship with Brandon and her swimming class flop threatens her gym grade. Mean girl Mackenzie is up to her old tricks with Nikki in her sights, and, of course, Nikki has to babysit her impossible little sister. She's still a dork, but will that be enough to overcome So. Much. DRAMA?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (21):

Tween girls rejoice: Another chapter in the popular Dork Diaries saga has arrived, and it's fluffy, funny, and light on content -- just the type of brain junk food kids love. Author Rachel Renee Russell is slowly maturing Nikki in the series, and in this installment it shows. There's less emphasis on materialism, and Nikki shows more redeeming qualities, such as her creativity and ability to think on her feet. However, the characters are still shallow and underdeveloped.

Offering kids Tales from a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker is like putting spinach in brownies: It gets kids to do something that's good for them by wrapping it up in gooey fun. Kids love these books. They're a step forward for reluctant readers or a sweet treat for advanced readers. Parents will need to monitor and help introduce meatier books to prevent overindulgence in literary desserts.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it means to be popular. Why do some kids feel being popular is so important?

  • Is there a such thing as a popular nice girl? Is it more important to be liked or feared and envied?

  • Middle school is awkward and miscommunications happen all the time. Name three ways Nikki could have avoided the drama and bathroom breakdowns by communicating.

Book Details

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