The Getaway
#12 of 19 in The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series
on Goodreads (41,311)
What’s inside...
In the twelfth book of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley and his family decide to escape the cold weather and holiday stress by traveling to a tropical island. However, their dream vacation quickly turns into a nightmare as they encounter sun poisoning, stomach troubles, and venomous creatures. With humor and engaging illustrations, this book guarantees laughter and is a must-read for fans of the series.
Character compass
Greg Heffley
Manny Heffley
Rodrick Heffley
Susan Heffley
Frank Heffley
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the Heffleys' vacation, and why?
If you could change one thing about the Heffleys' trip, what would it be?
How did Greg feel about the trip compared to the rest of his family, and have you ever felt the same way on a family outing?
What lessons do you think the Heffleys learned from their getaway adventures?
If you were to plan a family vacation, where would you go and what activities would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own family vacation experiences, relating them to the Heffleys' to create a personal connection with the story.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their ideal vacation following the discussion to deepen their engagement with the book's theme.
Discuss the differences in each family member's expectations and experiences to highlight the importance of empathy and understanding.
Connect the story's events to real-world lessons about the unpredictability of travel and the value of making the best of any situation.
Use humor from the book to keep the conversation light-hearted, acknowledging that even troublesome situations can lead to fun memories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonding
Explanation: In 'The Getaway,' the Heffley family experiences various mishaps during their vacation, which brings them closer together. They learn to support and rely on each other through thick and thin.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and strengthen their relationships with family members, recognizing the importance of sticking together during both fun times and challenges.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to New Situations
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Heffley family faces unfamiliar situations that require them to adapt quickly. From dealing with travel mishaps to navigating a foreign environment, they learn to embrace change.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to be flexible and open-minded when encountering new experiences or challenges in everyday life, such as moving to a new school or meeting new people.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Despite numerous challenges during their vacation, the Heffley family remains determined to make the most of their trip. Their resilience is a key theme throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere and maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with difficulties. This resilience can help them overcome obstacles they might face in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Value of Experiencing Different Cultures
Explanation: In 'The Getaway,' the Heffleys’ travel exposes them to different cultures and traditions, expanding their worldviews and appreciation for diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of being open to learning about and respecting different cultures, which can encourage inclusivity and empathy in children's interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Throughout their vacation, the Heffleys encounter various missteps and learn from them, which ultimately improves their experience and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value in acknowledging and learning from their mistakes, fostering personal growth and development in real-life scenarios.