Author Jeff Kinney’s #1 New York Times best-selling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has been making growing readers laugh since 2007. Kids in upper elementary and middle school, even reluctant readers, will be eager to join the adventures of middle schooler Greg Heffley, who documents his heroic wins and hapless losses in his diary alongside signature doodles.
The approachable humor of the series is a real draw for readers who seek relatable characters to stay engaged with books. Kids appreciate that Greg makes mistakes and displays poor judgment on occasion. His imperfect character gives kids the chance to think critically about their own morals and decision-making process, and ponder what they might do differently if they were in his shoes.
It’s a win-win for parents who want books to challenge their children while encouraging a love of reading. Plus, the series offers plenty of opportunities to bond with your child over post-read discussions about the outcomes of Greg’s choices.
In the latest book of the series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid #16: Big Shot, Greg’s attempts to play extracurricular sports land him a spot on the school’s worst basketball team. Their chances of winning a single game are zero — or are they? With the ball in Greg’s hands, anything can happen.
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