Cover of Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Cover of Rodrick Rules
Cover of The Last Straw
Cover of Dog Days
Cover of The Ugly Truth
Cover of Cabin Fever
Series

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

18 books

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney has 18 books. Start with Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007), then read the rest in the order below.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid reading order

1
Cover of Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley is navigating the treacherous waters of middle school, armed with a diary and a questionable sense of humor. As he enters a new grade, he's determined to prove his maturity, but his plans often go awry, especially when his best friend Rowley's popularity starts to overshadow his own. This hilarious account, filled with Greg's witty observations and comical illustrations, chronicles his attempts to gain social standing and the often-disastrous consequences that follow. It's a relatable and laugh-out-loud look at the ups and downs of friendship, family, and the awkward journey through adolescence.

FictionContemporary FictionGraphic Novel
2
Cover of Rodrick Rules

Rodrick Rules

Jeff Kinney

The highly anticipated sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller dives back into the chaotic world of middle school with Greg Heffley. As Greg tries to put a disastrous summer behind him, his older brother Rodrick holds the key to a secret he desperately wants to keep buried. Navigating the treacherous waters of school, girls, and avoiding the dreaded talent show, Greg must find a way to protect his reputation. This hilarious installment explores themes of sibling rivalry, the burden of secrets, and the universal awkwardness of growing up.

FictionContemporary FictionComing of Age
3
Cover of The Last Straw

The Last Straw

Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley's middle school woes continue as he navigates the treacherous waters of family expectations and social pressures. When his father insists he join the soccer team, Greg finds himself facing a coach with a drill sergeant's intensity and drills that push him to his limits. Desperate to escape the grueling practices, Greg attempts to find a loophole, only to discover that sometimes, the path of least resistance leads to unexpected consequences. This installment delves into the humor of childhood embarrassment and the universal struggle to avoid unwanted activities, all through Greg's signature relatable lens.

Contemporary FictionComing of AgeHumor
4
Cover of Dog Days

Dog Days

Jeff Kinney

Summer vacation is here, and while other kids are enjoying the great outdoors, Greg Heffley prefers the comfort of his video games and the solitude of his indoor world. His mom, however, has a very different idea of what constitutes a perfect summer, filled with family activities and sunshine. As Greg navigates his mom's plans and his own desires, the Heffley household braces for potential changes that could shake up their summer like never before. This hilarious installment explores the age-old battle between parental expectations and a kid's desire for freedom, all through Greg's signature witty observations.

Contemporary FictionComing of AgeGraphic Novel
5
Cover of The Ugly Truth

The Ugly Truth

Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley is eager to navigate the complexities of growing up, but he soon discovers that adolescence brings unexpected challenges. Faced with the pressures of social events, new responsibilities, and the awkwardness of changing times, Greg finds himself without his best friend, Rowley. He must confront these new hurdles alone, questioning if he can truly handle the "ugly truth" of getting older without his closest confidant.

Contemporary FictionComing of Age
6
Cover of Cabin Fever

Cabin Fever

Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley finds himself in a precarious situation when school property is damaged, and he's the prime suspect. As the authorities close in, an unexpected blizzard traps the entire Heffley family indoors, forcing Greg to confront his predicament. He wonders if the consequences awaiting him after the snow melts could possibly be worse than being confined with his family during the holidays. This hilarious installment explores themes of responsibility, family dynamics, and the often-uncomfortable realities of middle school life.

FictionContemporary FictionAdventure Fiction
7
Cover of The Third Wheel

The Third Wheel

Jeff Kinney

Valentine's Day is approaching, and Greg Heffley is in a panic as he tries to secure a date for the school dance. With his best friend Rowley also struggling to find a partner, Greg's anxieties about being the 'third wheel' reach an all-time high. An unexpected turn of events leads to a surprising pairing for Greg, leaving Rowley to face the dance alone. However, as the night unfolds, the dynamics of love and friendship prove unpredictable, reminding everyone that luck can change in an instant.

FictionContemporary FictionAdventure Fiction
8
Cover of Hard Luck

Hard Luck

Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley's luck has taken a turn for the worse, and middle school is proving to be a minefield without his best friend, Rowley. Facing the daunting task of making new friends, Greg decides to leave his future up to fate. He's hoping a roll of the dice will change his fortunes, but will this gamble lead to a brighter path or simply cement his status as a hard-luck kid? This installment in the beloved series explores themes of friendship, chance, and the unpredictable nature of growing up.

FictionContemporary FictionComing of Age
9
Cover of The Long Haul

The Long Haul

Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley's family embarks on an unforgettable road trip, hoping for a fun vacation, but things quickly go awry. As the miles tick by, Greg's carefully laid plans for a perfect getaway unravel, leading to a series of chaotic and hilarious misadventures. This installment in the beloved series captures the universal experience of family travel with Jeff Kinney's signature humor and relatable illustrations.

FictionContemporary FictionAdventure Fiction
10
Cover of Old School

Old School

Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley finds himself in a town that's decided to go completely electronics-free, forcing him to confront a world without modern conveniences. As the Heffley household grapples with the challenges of this new, old-fashioned way of life, Greg questions whether he's truly equipped to handle the drastic change. With tensions rising both within his family and the community, he must navigate the difficulties of a disconnected existence and discover if he can adapt to a simpler, yet more demanding, lifestyle.

FictionContemporary FictionComing of Age
11
Cover of Double Down

Double Down

Jeff Kinney

When Greg Heffley’s mother decides video games are ruining his brain, she pushes him to explore his creative side—whether he likes it or not. From joining the school band and chasing Halloween candy to navigating an awkward playdate with an unusually sheltered classmate, Greg’s attempts to satisfy his family lead to one comic misadventure after another. With its signature blend of expressive illustrations, deadpan humor, and school-age chaos, the story explores family expectations, friendship, competition, and Greg’s endless talent for getting himself into trouble.

Contemporary FictionComing of AgeSatire
12

The Getaway

Jeff Kinney

The Getaway

Jeff Kinney

When the Heffley family trades the chaos of Christmas at home for a luxurious island resort, they expect sunshine, relaxation, and a perfectly peaceful holiday. Instead, their dream getaway quickly turns into a string of mishaps, unexpected challenges, and family friction. With Jeff Kinney’s signature blend of comic illustrations, deadpan humor, and painfully relatable family dynamics, this installment explores the perils of vacation, the pressure of holiday traditions, and the unpredictable ways a family can survive a disastrous escape.

Contemporary FictionComing of AgeSatire
13
Cover of The Meltdown

The Meltdown

Jeff Kinney

When an unusually warm January gives way to a massive snowstorm, Greg Heffley finds himself caught in an all-out neighborhood snowball fight. As tensions rise, Greg must navigate shifting alliances, schoolyard rivalries, family frustrations, and the ever-complicated demands of friendship—especially when his bond with Rowley is tested. Blending sharp observational humor with an honest look at peer pressure, popularity, bullying, and the challenges of growing up, this installment captures middle-school life at its most chaotic. The signature diary format and cartoon illustrations keep the story fast-paced, mischievous, and highly relatable.

Graphic NovelComing of AgeSatire
14
Cover of Wrecking Ball

Wrecking Ball

Jeff Kinney

When the Heffley family inherits a surprising sum of money, Greg’s mom decides it is the perfect opportunity to expand and renovate their home. But construction quickly turns the family’s plans upside down, bringing unexpected setbacks, neighborhood troubles, and plenty of chaos for Greg and his best friend, Rowley. As Greg navigates spring cleaning, a yard sale, and the upheaval of home improvement, he discovers that making a house bigger does not necessarily make family life easier. Packed with Jeff Kinney’s signature cartoons and sharp comic timing, this installment explores family, friendship, ambition, and the hilarious consequences of trying to improve everyday life.

Graphic NovelComing of AgeContemporary Fiction
15

The Deep End

Jeff Kinney

The Deep End

Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley and his family set out on a cross-country camping trip, hoping for a memorable adventure in the great outdoors. Their plans quickly become more complicated as the journey brings unexpected challenges, cramped conditions, and plenty of family friction. With its signature blend of cartoon illustrations, sharp humor, and everyday mishaps, this installment explores family dynamics, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of life on the road.

Graphic NovelComing of Age
16
Cover of Big Shot

Big Shot

Jeff Kinney

After a disastrous school Sports Day confirms Greg Heffley’s belief that athletics and he do not mix, he’s ready to retire from sports for good. But when his mother persuades him to give basketball one last shot, Greg finds himself navigating tryouts, teammates, and the unpredictable world of youth competition. With Jeff Kinney’s signature blend of expressive cartoon illustrations, deadpan humor, and awkward adolescent observations, this installment explores friendship, perseverance, and the comic gap between ambition and ability.

Contemporary FictionComing of AgeSatire
17
Cover of Diper Överlöde

Diper Överlöde

Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley gets pulled into his older brother Rodrick’s heavy metal band, Löded Diper, when the group sets its sights on fame and a coveted Battle of the Bands competition. As Greg helps with publicity, performances, and the band’s increasingly chaotic schemes, he discovers that the road to rock stardom is filled with family friction, embarrassing setbacks, and plenty of unexpected trouble. With Jeff Kinney’s signature blend of comic illustrations, deadpan humor, and relatable middle-school mishaps, this entertaining installment explores ambition, friendship, sibling rivalry, and the messy reality behind chasing a dream.

Graphic NovelComing of AgeContemporary Fiction
18
Cover of No Brainer

No Brainer

Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley’s middle school is in trouble, and saving it may require more than clever excuses and avoiding responsibility. When budget cuts threaten to shut the school down, Greg and his friends are pulled into a chaotic effort to keep it open—while Greg finds himself unexpectedly involved in the school’s daily operations. Packed with Jeff Kinney’s signature cartoons, witty observations, and misadventures, this latest installment explores friendship, school culture, peer pressure, and the unpredictable ways kids rise to a challenge.

Graphic NovelComing of AgeSatire