Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Reach for this book when your child is feeling the sting of middle school social dynamics or struggling with the transition from being a 'big kid' to a 'young adult.' It provides a safe, humorous space for children to process feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to be popular. The story follows Greg Heffley as he chronicles his daily life in a diary, or journal, as he prefers to call it. Through Greg's often flawed perspective, the book explores themes of sibling rivalry, friendship loyalty, and the awkwardness of puberty. While Greg is a self-centered protagonist, his mistakes offer parents a perfect opening to discuss empathy and the consequences of one's actions in a low-stakes, funny environment. It is ideal for ages 8 to 12, especially for reluctant readers who benefit from the visual storytelling format.