diary of a wimpy kid

Kinney, J. (2007). Diary of a wimpy kid: Greg Heffley's journal. New York: Amulet Books. 
ISBN: 978-0810993136

"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." -Greg Heffley

From the opening pages of this "novel in cartoons," we empathize with its narrator, Greg, who is smart, insightful... and wimpy.  Greg's words and pictures make up this journal ("not a diary, he is quick to correct us), and through it, we learn about the many trials and tribulations of middle school.

Greg's got a lot to complain about. He's the middle child, stuck between clueless Manny and tyrant Rodrick. He and his best friend, Rowley, aren't getting along like they used to. Girls don't seem to notice him, and he gets kicked off the Safety Patrol for an incident involving a worm. Through it all, Greg keeps his sense of humor, which he channels into drawing comic strips. The comics serve both as illustrations for the reader and as a central component of the plot. They are hilariously funny.

This book's format is a great bridge between traditional novels and the graphic novel medium-- the combination of words and pictures enlivens the story. Greg is a lovable protagonist-- think Bart Simpson but more insightful. A nice choice for those looking for a boy protagonist in a non-fantasy book. A delightful read for adults, too.