I wanted to read something funny for this post since I've been reading lots of "heavy" problem-type novels for the James Cook Award committee. I decided on Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Kinney). Even though the series is mega-popular with kids, I've always viewed it as elementary fodder and never felt any great need to read it. However since Gretchen Yonata included the books in Dayton Metro's top YA circulated titles, I decided to read the first title. I was interested to see how a book can appeal to and be appropriate for readers in grades 3 - high school.
Written in diary form (though the reader is informed right up front that this is a JOURNAL not a sissy diary), Greg recounts daily life as a middle school student. He points out, "Let me just say for the record that I think middle school is the dumbest idea ever invented. You got kids like me who haven't hit their growth spurt yet mixed in with these gorillas who need to shave twice a day." Celebrating Halloween, wrestling in gym class, participating in the school play and the safety patrol, changing friendships - its all there. One thing is for sure: Greg will make dumb choices that seemed like a good idea at the time. The text is "hand lettered". The kid-like drawings that appear on every page make the book. The chapter are short. Lots of kids appeal.
To be honest, Wimpy Kid bored me as an adult reader (which brings up the question - why is it so hard to find funny teen titles??). But it's not about whether I like it - clearly kids do. Most reviews put it at grade 5-8 but I know younger kids enjoy too. It does surprise me that high school students would want to read it. For sure elementary and middle schools will need lots of copies of all the books in the series. Available in e-book format, different languages including simplified Chinese, audiobook - you name it. And of course there are the films - check out the movie Trailer
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I have not read this book yet, but I see it in almost every school that I sub at. It is SO popular with students. In my field placement this week the students checked out every copy she had of the book and she cannot keep it on her shelf!
I liked Greg's comment about middle school. I taught at that level for two years, and what I found hardest about it was that there was such a wide range of maturity levels. Greg's phrasing is a more interesting way of saying that! Maybe some older teens would like reading this book as a "remember when" type thing(?)
I have to agree with Greg's comment about middle school! My son LOVES this series and has read and reread every title. I agree with Vanessa, that HS kids may be looking for that "remember when" title and of course the easy to read, middle school humor! What ever the magic formula for wide appeal Kinney sure hit it with this series.
I did an observation at a middle school in Springfield City and this series had its own special display because it was so popular with the kids. I do agree with you Dr. Berg...slightly tedious for adults but kids really do love it. I can also imagine that even some of my freshman (not large numbers for sure) would still appreciate the style and content.
I have never read this books but I have students who talk about them all the time and are so excited for the movie. I feel like what I have seen of the books is just not funny to me but kids seem to like it. I do agree with you that it is hard to find funny YA books.
Hi Susan,
What makes these books so appealing to students of all ages? I just did a quick Circ report on my Jeff Kinney books. I have a total of 53 copies for 900 students. There are never more than one or two on the shelf at any given time. His latest, The Ugly Truth was hands down the most requested book this school year. I asked my fifth grade son why they are so popular. He says it's because they all have great pictures that make even the worst situations seem funny. Personally I think it is a book ALL students, even struggling readers can read and enjoy.
I have never read this book, but I know at out middle school there is always a huge request for the book. Even at the book fair it is one of the most popular. I think the title is cute and I think the movie trailer is a great way to hook middle school kids in. Greg's comment about middle school is so true!
My third grade students "eat this book up!" This is such a popular series in elementary grades, but I also see it as a great choice for a struggling reader in the upper grades. Now that you have read this book, Dr. Berg, I will have to pick up a copy!
I haven't read these books either, but I've been intrigued for quite some time (my 8-year-old niece is OBSESSED with these). I was surprised when Gretchen said this series is one of the most popular for teens because I was under the assumption it was only popular into the tweens and early teen years. The elementary school I was at for my field experience last quarter couldn't keep these on the shelves. I skimmed through a couple of them when I was shelving, and it looked like it might be tedious for an older reader, but I think I might still check these out at some point.
Hello all, I found Dr. Berg's blog and thought I would post. When I was talking to you at the class, I was covering all teens - ages 13 and up which includes middle school. Please keep that in mind, that many 7th graders are teens too! Plus I work a lot with middle school students. That is why I had it on my list!
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