#8 in The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series
Hard Luck
on Goodreads (91,052)
What’s inside...
Vietnamese version of Kinney's enormously popular juvenile graphic fiction series dealing with the life and feelings of a kid in on campus. Book 8 in the series. Vietnamese translation by Van Khanh In Vietnamese. Annotation copyright Tsai Fong Books, Inc. Distributed by Tsai Fong Books, Inc.
Character compass
Discussion points
How did Greg's experiences with friendship in 'Hard Luck' resonate with you, and why do you think friendships can be complicated?
What are some ways that Greg tried to change his luck and do you think relying on luck is a good strategy in life?
Can you think of a time when you felt like everything was going wrong? How did you cope with those feelings?
Greg often feels misunderstood by his family and friends. Have you ever felt the same way? What helped you handle the situation?
If you were to give Greg one piece of advice for handling his 'hard luck,' what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their life and Greg’s experiences, fostering empathy and self-reflection.
Discuss the theme of perseverance in the face of challenges, and relate it to real-life scenarios your child may encounter.
Ask your child to recount a situation where they or someone they know had to rely on others, emphasizing the value of support systems.
Highlight Greg’s creative problem-solving attempts, prompting your child to consider alternative ways to face their own challenges.
After reading, encourage your child to journal about times they overcame 'hard luck', reinforcing the narrative of resilience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist, Greg, deals with numerous setbacks and challenges but continues to push forward, trying to find solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain positive and keep trying even when things get tough, developing coping mechanisms for dealing with their own challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, Greg learns the hard way that honesty is typically the best policy, especially as he navigates complicated situations.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be truthful in their dealings with friends and family, understanding that honesty builds trust.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The story explores the dynamics of friendship, emphasizing how significant friends are during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of caring for their friends and the role of companionship in overcoming life’s obstacles.
Example Lesson: Dealing with change
Explanation: Greg faces several new situations which he must adapt to, learning that change is a constant part of life.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be flexible and adaptable, helping them to face new experiences and transitions with confidence.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Greg often finds himself in predicaments where he has to think creatively to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically and come up with constructive solutions in their own lives, boosting their problem-solving skills.