The Ugly Truth
#5 of 19 in The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series
on Goodreads (138,017)
What’s inside...
Books five through eight in the bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series are available in a collectible boxed set. The set includes The Ugly Truth, Cabin Fever, The Third Wheel, and Hard Luck, all packaged in a specially designed case. In The Ugly Truth, Greg Heffley navigates the pressures of growing up, boy-girl parties, increased responsibilities, and the awkward changes that accompany getting older, all while dealing with a falling out with his best friend Rowley.
Character compass
Greg Heffley
Rowley Jefferson
Susan Heffley
Discussion points
How does Greg Heffley’s experience with growing up relate to some of the changes you're going through?
Why do you think it's important for Greg to try and fit in at school? Have you ever felt the same way?
Greg faces many challenges in the book. What are some ways he could handle these situations differently?
What did you learn about friendships from Greg’s adventures?
How do the choices that Greg makes shape his relationships with his family and friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate discussions to your child’s own school experiences to make the conversation more personal and relatable.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them what different choices they would make if they were in Greg’s shoes.
Discuss the importance of honesty and being true to oneself, as seen through Greg’s journey in the book.
Reflect together on the humor in the book and how it can help deal with the awkwardness of growing up.
Be open about sharing your own stories of growing up, fostering a two-way conversation, and building a deeper connection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Ugly Truth,' Greg Heffley learns about taking responsibility for his actions and their consequences. As he navigates events without his best friend, he starts understanding the importance of personal accountability.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by owning up to their actions, whether it's admitting to a mistake or taking credit for a task they accomplished, helping them mature and develop integrity.
Example Lesson: Adapting to change
Explanation: Throughout the book, Greg faces several changes, including physical and social transformations. His journey showcases the inevitability of change and the importance of adapting to it.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to embrace changes in their lives, such as moving to a new school or dealing with family dynamics, by understanding that adaptation is a part of life and can often lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Self-identity and acceptance
Explanation: Greg struggles with his identity and where he fits in his social circle, especially in the absence of his close friend. His experiences underline the theme of self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be comfortable with who they are and to appreciate their uniqueness, even when they feel the pressure to conform to peer expectations.
Example Lesson: The value of family and friends
Explanation: As Greg navigates through his challenges, the support from his family and the eventual reconciliation with his friend highlights the value of these relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of maintaining relationships and leaning on loved ones during tough times, fostering a sense of community and support.
Example Lesson: The experience of growing up
Explanation: Greg's experiences reflect typical adolescent challenges and the growth that comes from facing them. His journey subtly imparts the lesson that growing up is a natural and learning-filled process.
Real-World Application: Children learn that growing up involves a mix of challenges and achievements, and that each experience contributes to their development into adulthood.