The Last Straw

The third installment in the Wimpy Kid series, this diary-format novel follows Greg Heffley through the first half of the year. The central conflict is driven by his father, Frank, who is determined to make Greg more 'manly' and less of a wimp. Frank's attempts include signing Greg up for a disastrous soccer season and threatening to send him to a military academy for the summer if he doesn't change his ways. Subplots involve Greg's attempts to impress his crush, Holly Hills, dealing with his annoying brothers Rodrick and Manny, and navigating his friendship with Rowley. The story culminates in a father-son camping trip with the Wilderness Explorers, which ends in comedic failure but a small moment of connection.