Cover of Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life
Cover of Tales from a Not-so-popular Party Girl
Cover of Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star
Cover of Tales from a Not-So-Graceful Ice Princess
Cover of Tales from a Not-So-Smart Miss Know-It-All
Cover of Tales from a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker
Series

Dork Diaries

6 books

The Dork Diaries series by Rachel Renée Russell and others has 6 books. Start with Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life (2009), then read the rest in the order below.

Dork Diaries reading order

1
Cover of Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life

Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life

Rachel Renée Russell

Nikki Maxwell is starting at a new middle school, and she's determined to make it a fabulous experience. Unfortunately, her plans are immediately derailed by the school's resident mean girl, Jessica, and a crush on the adorable Brandon. To cope with the drama, Nikki starts a secret diary, filling its pages with her hilarious and often embarrassing adventures. This is the story of navigating the treacherous waters of middle school, friendship, and first crushes, all told through Nikki's witty and relatable voice.

Contemporary FictionComing of AgeLiterary Fiction
2
Cover of Tales from a Not-so-popular Party Girl

Tales from a Not-so-popular Party Girl

Rachel Renée Russell

Nikki Maxwell's life is finally looking up, with new friends, a potential crush, and a new school settling into place. However, a misunderstanding with a rival and a looming school dance threaten to derail her newfound happiness. As Nikki navigates the treacherous waters of middle school social dynamics, she must juggle friendships, romantic interests, and family obligations. This hilarious and relatable tale explores the ups and downs of adolescence with humor and heart, reminding readers that even the most awkward situations can lead to unexpected adventures.

Contemporary FictionRomanceComing of Age
3
Cover of Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star

Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star

Rachel Ren?e Russell

Nikki Maxwell is desperate to keep her family's secret hidden: her dad works as the school exterminator, a fact that could ruin her social standing and her chances with her crush, Brandon. When a major talent competition is announced with a coveted scholarship as the grand prize, Nikki sees a golden opportunity. She can showcase her singing and dancing talents, have fun with her friends, and potentially free her dad from his job – all while saving her reputation. Join Nikki as she navigates hilarious hijinks, misunderstandings, and heartwarming moments in this special animated eBook edition that brings her world to life.

Contemporary FictionComing of Age
4
Cover of Tales from a Not-So-Graceful Ice Princess

Tales from a Not-So-Graceful Ice Princess

Rachel Renee Russell

When Nikki Maxwell discovers that her crush Brandon volunteers at a local animal shelter facing closure, she springs into action with her best friends Chloe and Zoey to save the day. The trio decides to enter an ice skating competition to raise funds for the shelter, but Nikki quickly learns that transforming from self-proclaimed dork to graceful ice skater is far more challenging than she anticipated. As MacKenzie stirs up trouble and the competition looms, Nikki must overcome her clumsiness, self-doubt, and rival drama to master the ice and help the adorable puppies in need. Packed with humor, heart, and the relatable struggles of middle school life, this installment in the mega-selling Dork Diaries series captures the essence of friendship, determination, and doing what's right—even when it seems impossible.

Contemporary FictionComing of AgeHumor
5
Cover of Tales from a Not-So-Smart Miss Know-It-All

Tales from a Not-So-Smart Miss Know-It-All

Rachel Renée Russell

In this fifth installment of the beloved Dork Diaries series, Nikki Maxwell discovers a passion for student journalism—though her motivation might have more to do with rival MacKenzie's new gossip column than genuine editorial ambitions. When Nikki lands a position as the school newspaper's advice columnist, she's thrilled to help her fellow students navigate their problems. But as letters flood in from desperate readers seeking guidance, Nikki finds herself overwhelmed and questioning whether she's really qualified to be "Miss Know-It-All." Packed with humor, heart, and the signature illustrated diary entries that fans adore, this installment explores themes of confidence, responsibility, and the challenges of being the person everyone turns to for answers. Rachel Renée Russell delivers another entertaining adventure that captures the messy, complicated reality of middle school life.

Contemporary FictionComing of AgeHumor
6
Cover of Tales from a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker

Tales from a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker

Rachel Renée Russell

When Nikki Maxwell's crush asks her to the sweetheart dance, she's thrilled—until she realizes he may have mistaken her for someone else. Caught between her own romantic hopes and the complications that ensue, Nikki navigates the messy world of middle-school crushes, friendship drama, and the mortifying moments that come with putting yourself out there. With her signature blend of humor, doodles, and diary entries, Rachel Renée Russell captures the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence with wit and heart. As Nikki tries to figure out what love really means and whether she's brave enough to be honest about her feelings, readers will laugh, cringe, and recognize themselves in her relatable struggles. This installment in the beloved Dork Diaries series proves that sometimes the most important love story is learning to love yourself.

Contemporary FictionComing of AgeContemporary Romance