Wrecking Ball
#14 of 19 in The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series
What’s inside...
In the fourteenth book of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney, Greg Heffley and his family face home improvement challenges after receiving a small inheritance. They encounter problems like toxic mold, aggressive rodents, and construction errors that encroach on the neighbor's property, halting their dream kitchen project. Amidst the chaos, they consider moving away to escape the complications.
Character compass
Greg Heffley
Frank Heffley
Susan Heffley
Discussion points
How did Greg Heffley's family change after the renovation, and what does this tell us about dealing with unexpected outcomes?
Which character in 'Wrecking Ball' do you relate to the most and why?
What lessons did the Heffley family learn about friendship and community throughout the story?
How do you think Greg felt during the different challenges he faced, and have you ever felt the same way?
If you could give the Heffley family one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in Greg's shoes and share how they would navigate similar challenges.
Promote critical thinking by discussing the cause-and-effect relationships between the Heffley family's actions and the outcomes they experienced.
Enhance connection to the text by relating the story’s scenarios to your child's own life experiences.
Foster a deeper understanding by asking your child to consider what different characters might have been thinking or feeling during key events in the book.
Strengthen problem-solving skills by posing hypothetical scenarios based on the book and asking your child how they would handle them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: In 'Wrecking Ball', the protagonist Greg Heffley and his family face numerous obstacles while attempting home improvements, showcasing their ability to adapt and persevere.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying determined and resourceful when dealing with difficult situations or unexpected problems in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Heffley family works together on their home project, highlighting how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of working together with others, whether it be on school projects, sports teams or family activities, to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Dealing with change
Explanation: As the Heffley family embarks on renovating their home, they encounter numerous changes that affect their routine and living situation, illustrating how change is a part of life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and adapt to changes in their own environments, understanding that it is a natural aspect of growing up.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book presents various humorous yet challenging situations where Greg and his family must come up with solutions to continue their home renovation.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think critically and creatively when faced with their own problems, whether at home or in school.
Example Lesson: Humor as a coping mechanism
Explanation: Despite the difficulties, the tone of 'Wrecking Ball' remains lighthearted and humorous, teaching children that laughter can be a helpful tool in dealing with stress.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to find humor in their daily challenges, helping them to cope with stress and maintain a positive outlook.