NextPage Kids
Free family account
All guides
Diary of a Wimpy Kid book cover
Find at your libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on AmazonAffiliate links. We earn a small amount if you buy, and it never changes a verdict. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Ages 8+1-min guideHumorSchoolFamily

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by Jeff Kinney
Good fitA good fit for most kids 8 and up. Very funny and very easy to read. Greg is often selfish, and the book knows it, which makes it a good talking point.
Create a free family account to see a verdict for each of your kids.

What it’s about

Greg Heffley writes in his journal about starting middle school, trying to be popular and dealing with his brothers. His best friend Rowley keeps succeeding without trying.

The ending

What might come up

Unkind behaviorA lotGreg lies, blames his friend and plays mean tricks, usually with consequences.
Potty humorSomeGross-out jokes throughout.
LanguageA littleMild insults like 'jerk' and 'moron'.
ViolenceA littleTeens chase the boys on Halloween, and Rowley breaks his hand in Greg’s game.
RomanceNone
Death and lossNone

Why kids like it

Cartoons on every page and a narrator who says what kids actually think.

Free printable quiz

  1. 1
    What does Greg insist his diary is?
  2. 2
    Who is Greg’s best friend?
  3. 3
    What is the 'Cheese Touch'?
  4. 4
    What is the name of Greg’s older brother?

Read it, then watch it

Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
2010Rated PG

Live action, close to the book’s jokes.

If they liked this

Read next

Dog Man book cover
Dog ManDav Pilkey

It’s a comic book, it’s gross, and you can flip the pages to animate the fights.

Big Nate: In a Class by Himself book cover
Big Nate: In a Class by HimselfLincoln Peirce

Comics and a hero who gets in trouble.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing book cover
Tales of a Fourth Grade NothingJudy Blume

Fudge’s tantrums are hilarious, and every big brother or sister gets it.

Buy links are affiliate links. We earn a small amount if you buy, and it never changes a verdict.
Parents also ask

Quick answers

Most kids can read it on their own from about age 8. As a read-aloud, it works from about age 7.