Book Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Synopsis

Greg records his sixth grade experiences in a school where he and his friend Rowley hope to survive as undersized weaklings amid boys who need to shave twice daily. And when Rowley grows more popular, Greg must take measures to save their friendship.

Comments

This is a pretty irreverent book-but I found myself laughing as I tagged stuff to comment on.  Very true to how kids feel and think in middle school.  Parental guidance suggested for kids in the lower end of the age-range, but it will be pretty familiar material for kids over 10.5.  This is a good book for boys and for reluctant readers.

Language

None [?]

Sexual Content

Word usage: ‘hot girls’. Boy has magazine with picture of girl in a bikini.

Drugs/Alcohol

A kid smokes.

Violence/Disturbing

Some description of scary stuff in a haunted house—guy with a chainsaw, vampires, headless people. ‘evil eye’.

Social/Family

Bullying, getting the girls is about ‘wearing the right clothes, how rich you are, or having a cute butt.’  Kid is less popular because he got braces, ‘gifted’ vs. ‘easy’ reading group, kids trick parents and teachers on several occasions, including playing a video game with parental warnings and switching out the case.  Teacher says rock and roll is ‘evil’.  Multiple episodes of irreverence to teachers.  Some gender stereotyping (girls are good at should like this thing/boys are good at should like that thing).

Religion/Spiritual

None