Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is not a diary but, in fact, a journal or "novel in cartoons." It covers one school year in the life of a geeky middle-school-aged boy named Greg, especially antics involving his equally unpopular friend, Rowley. The book is unique in format, but filled with Captain Underpants-like humor in its anecdotes about things the (mostly unsuccessful) quest for cool at school, friendship, and family. Certain parts, notably a standardized thank you note and an attempt at setting up a haunted house, were entertaining, but parents of younger readers might not be thrilled with bullying as a recurring theme and a handful of inappropriate words like "jerk," "sissy," "moron," and "dork," which make the nine to twelve year old recommended reading level seem appropriate. And although my favorite nine-year-old bookworm raced through it (and the sequel) and then started in on the first one again after requesting two milk bottles filled with sand and a stick, I was never able to muster more than a smile during the time (less than an hour) it took to get through it. From this reader's (adult) perspective, it's overrated, but to each his own. Similar: Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants series. For adults: Dave Sedaris' Me Talk Pretty One Day. Better: The Dangerous Book for Boys by Hal Iggulden.

My seven year old son finished this book in a week. He loved it and we had to go and get the other book as well... These books are fun for kids and I love the fact that he could not put it down...

My 8 year old son wanted this book. Good story, kids seem to love it! In an age where video games are taking over it's nice to have a book kids will read and enjoy!

It is a fast paced and honest narrative of how s boy that age would feel, fear or hide.

Not much grabs my son's attention. This did. It is a good read and it is very animated. I can't wait to the remainder of the series comes out. The first book was good but this is just as good and keeps my son entertained and laughing. Reading is fun!