The Third Wheel
#7 of 19 in The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series
on Goodreads (102,141)
What’s inside...
The Third Wheel is the hilarious seventh installment in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. It follows the protagonist, Greg Heffley, as he navigates middle school dances, potential new love interests, and the usual chaos of his everyday life. Love is in the air - but what does that mean for Greg Heffley? A Valentine's Day dance at Greg's middle school has turned his world upside down. As Greg scrambles to find a date, he's worried he'll be left out in the cold on the big night. His best friend, Rowley, doesn't have any prospects either, but that's a small consolation. An unexpected twist gives Greg a partner for the dance and leaves Rowley the odd man out. But a lot can happen in one night, and in the end, you never know who's going to be lucky in love.
Discussion points
How did Greg's experiences in 'The Third Wheel' make you feel, and have you ever felt like a third wheel in any of your friendships?
Why do you think the Valentine's Day dance was so important to the characters, and what does it teach us about expectations and reality?
What are some ways the characters in the book deal with feelings of exclusion or disappointment, and can you think of a time you've felt the same?
If you were in Greg's shoes, how would you have handled the situations he faced differently, if at all?
What lessons do you think Greg learned by the end of 'The Third Wheel', and what lessons have you learned from reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking how they would feel in Greg's place and discuss different ways of managing similar situations.
Open up about your own childhood experiences with feeling left out or dealing with social events to create a mutual understanding.
Highlight the humor in the book to discuss the less serious aspects of the characters' dilemmas, keeping the conversation light-hearted.
Foster critical thinking by asking what your child might have done differently and why, emphasizing the importance of decision-making.
Use the book's scenarios as a springboard for discussing school events and peer relationships, offering guidance and reassurance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist, Greg, navigates the complexities of middle school social life, including feeling left out and handling rejection, showcasing his resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay positive and keep trying even when they face rejection or feel excluded among their peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, Greg begins to understand the situations of others better, which in turn makes him more empathetic.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the feelings of others and be mindful of their actions, promoting a more empathetic approach in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of true friendships
Explanation: As Greg faces various social dilemmas, he learns to appreciate the importance of having genuine friends rather than striving for popularity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cherish and prioritize sincere relationships over superficial social status in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Adapting to change
Explanation: Greg has to adapt to unexpected changes and new configurations in his social and school life.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to be flexible and open to changes in their routines or social circles.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Greg's journey includes moments of self-discovery and coming to terms with his own unique qualities and imperfections.
Real-World Application: Helps children learn to accept themselves as they are, recognizing that everyone has both strengths and weaknesses.