Diary of a Wimpy Kid
#1 of 19 in The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series
on Goodreads (738,841)
What’s inside...
The book is about a middle school student named Greg Heffley. The book is written in a journal format, filled with hand-written notes and simple drawings, which depict Greg's daily adventures. In the first book of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney introduces us to Greg Heffley: an unforgettable, unlikely hero that every family can relate to. Being a kid can really stink. And no one knows this better than Greg. He finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. Greg is happy to have Rowley Jefferson, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley's star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend's newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion. The hazards of growing up before you're ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary. But as Greg says: '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.
Character compass
Greg Heffley
Rowley Jefferson
Susan Heffley
Rodrick Heffley
Manny Heffley
Rowley
Discussion points
How do you think Greg feels about his family and friends? Can you relate to any of his experiences?
What are some of the challenges Greg faces, and how does he deal with them? What would you do differently?
Why do you think 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' is presented as a diary? How does this style help us understand Greg's character?
If you could give Greg one piece of advice, what would it be and why?
What did you learn about friendship and peer pressure from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that allow children to express their personal connections to the story.
Discuss similarities and differences between your child's experiences and Greg's, reinforcing empathy and self-reflection.
Encourage children to compare the book's format to their own diaries or journals, emphasizing the value of self-expression.
Prompt your child to think critically by examining Greg's decisions and the outcomes that follow.
Explore the lessons learned, particularly about friendships and social dynamics, validating your child's perspective.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Greg Heffley, the protagonist, faces various obstacles and embarrassing moments throughout the book, but he continually tries to overcome these challenges with humor and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to handle setbacks and failures with a positive attitude, understanding that mistakes are opportunities for growth and improvement.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, Greg learns that lying and cutting corners often lead to more trouble. His experiences demonstrate the consequences of dishonest behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing honesty in their daily interactions and understanding the long-term benefits of being truthful.
Example Lesson: Value of true friendships
Explanation: In 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid', Greg realizes who his real friends are and the importance of those friendships over those that are superficial.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and nurture genuine relationships rather than superficial ones, understanding the meaning of loyalty and support.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing peer pressure
Explanation: The book shows Greg facing peer pressure in various forms. It illustrates his journey towards making decisions for himself rather than succumbing to the influence of others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to assert their individuality and make choices based on their values and judgments rather than merely following the crowd.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Despite his flaws and frequent mishaps, Greg gradually learns to accept himself for who he is, rather than always trying to fit in or be someone he's not.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and imperfections, promoting a healthy self-image and confidence.