Buffalo & Erie County Public Library: Staff Review by Gwen Collier
The first thing that you should know is this is not your typical diary book. In fact, it is not a diary at all — it is a journal by a nerdy middle school boy named Greg Heffley and his adventures in trying to be cool. Throughout the journal, we see Greg embark on several attempts to fit in–even at the expense of his brothers and best friend Rowley. He is the middle child and regardless of how it seems, his brothers seemingly get away with murder while Greg is punished for every little thing. For example, Greg coaches his little brother Manny on how to ask for Christmas gifts. Just a few gifts, Greg told him. In spite of this advice, Manny chooses all types of gifts and on Christmas day, he gets everything that he asked for. Meanwhile, Greg receives clothes, books, a Barbie doll from his uncle, and some weights for wrestling (which he no longer wanted to do).
Every week, Greg tries something new: being a newspaper columnist, running for Safety Patrol, trying to get in the easy Reading class, creating a Halloween House with his friend Rowley, running for Treasurer of the Student Government, trying to get elected Class Clown, and creating the notorious Big Wheel game (Rowley gave Greg a Big Wheel for Christmas). Like any awkward boy, Greg is trying to find his way as he transitions from elementary school to middle school. He notices that even the girls are more complicated. “The faster runner used to get the girls, but now cool clothes, wealth or a nice butt is more seductive.” In the end, Greg doesn’t get the girl, but he is able to negotiate the worst punishment of all. Rowley, on the other hand, is not that lucky. This book is a fun read, even for the reluctant reader. Parents might enjoy this book also as it is “laugh out loud” funny for people of all ages.
Buffalo Central Library
1 Lafayette Square
Buffalo, NY 14203-1887
(716) 858-8900