review of diary of wimpy kid

[Jillian]

This review is required for Dr. Sykes’ READ 3307 course at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, is a contemporary realistic fiction story told in first person point of view by a fictional young boy named Greg Heffley and takes place in an unknown USA town. The story takes place throughout the Heffley’s neighborhood, house and the middle school that Greg attends. The story revolves around Greg and his hopeful path to become someone of great popularity. Greg is just starting middle school and has high hopes of being at the top of the pyramid. With his family and not a close friend group Greg has difficulty believing in himself that he is actually anybody of great importance. Greg experiences many humorous and all too real scenarios that help him see what is really important. Diary of a Wimpy Kid has themes of the value of friendship and that being different isn’t always a bad thing. Greg struggles throughout the book that he is not someone of great importance until he is popular and well-liked by everyone. He gets into situations that are sometimes uncomfortable because of what he puts into first perspective. What he learns throughout the book is that with the right friends and people supporting you throughout your exploration journey then you just might succeed even if it’s not what you wanted at first. The author of the story makes such themes important for young readers. He puts feeling into the story and has somewhat relatable backstories to help relate to the audience. In the story, Rowley Jefferson is introduced as first a boy of not so great importance but, towards the end becomes someone of importance to Greg Heffley. We are also introduced to Greg’s two brothers who seem to cause Greg a metaphorical headache at times. Manny, the youngest of the three brothers is somewhat spoiled and despised at times by Greg but looked upon as a godly to Greg’s parents. Rodrick Heffley is the oldest of the three brothers and seems to be pestering Greg non-stop throughout the story. Greg’s mom and dad are the main supporters of Greg through emotional and physical altercations. Throughout the story the author uses each character to his advantage. He gives the characters meaning and life by inserting drawings and giving some of them an inventive language that is understandable at all times. The author also uses journal passages as a way to tell the story and is more appeasable to his young, main audience. In conclusion, whether you’re starting at a new job or it’s your first day of school Greg Heffley’s guidance journals will surely help you in most situations.