Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

I recently finished reading the first book in the Wimpy Kid series and I can see what all the fuss is about. The book is based on the life of junior high student, Greg Heffley and touches on family, friendship and schoolyard troubles in a humerous manner through cartoon illustrations and descriptive writing.

The book is written in first-person via a journal format using colloquial language that is easy for young students to relate to. It also features some comic-like sketches which add to the humour of the story and engagement in reading. The book is structured so that it covers each month in the journal-style writing. The 'journal' consists of a series of small narratives (under the headings of each month) that are subtly connected with each other. I would reccommend this book for students anywhere between the ages of 8 and 15. I think it is one of those books that has really improved male students' interest in reading. The use of humour, illustrations and relevant storylines have drawn both male and female students in. Similarly, the release of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies have also generated a greater interest in the novels.

Overall this book was an easy and enjoyable read. I got lost in this book and found myself reading chapter after chapter, blissfully unaware of the time that had elapsed. Not only would I reccommend these books to students, but also to teachers because it gives them a good idea of what goes on in the 21st Century student's mind/life. It also allows teachers to develop relationships with students who enjoy reading these books and helps them to have an understanding of the content and the reasons that students love reading these books.

Kirsty

 

http://www.wimpykid.com/ - check out Wimpy kid.com for information about the series, the movies and the author, Jeff Kinney, and his latest addition to the series.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVEIgPeDCE - The movie trailer - it's hilarious!