DIARY OF A WIMPY KID READ-ALIKES

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid: the Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney (#5 in the series) is coming out on Nov. 9, 2010. Can't wait? You might like some of these titles:

Doodlebug: A Novel in Doodles
By Young, Karen Romano

Moving is tough. But the hardest thing of all about the move that Doreen "Dodo" Bussey's family is making is that she suspects it might be because of her. Her mother gives Dodo a blank notebook, which she uses to chronicle the move and the first days in a new city. 

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
By Angleberger, Tom

In this funny, uncannily wise portrait of the dynamics of a sixth-grade class and of the greatness that sometimes comes in unlikely packages, Dwight, a loser, talks to his classmates via an origami finger puppet of Yoda. 

Big Nate: In a Class by Himself
By Peirce, Lincoln

Inspired by Peirce's "Big Nate" comic strip, this first book in a six-part series introduces Nate Wright: sixth grader, class clown, self-described genius, and the all-time record holder for school detentions. Illustrations. 

The Popularity Papers: Research for the Social Improvement and General Betterment of Lydia Goldblatt + Julie Graham-Chang
By Ignatow, Amy

Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang are best friends with one goal: to crack the code of popularity. Lydia's the bold one: aspiring theater star, stick-fighting enthusiast, human guinea pig. Julie's the shy one: observer and artist, accidental field hockey star, faithful recorder. In this notebook they write down their observations and carry out experiments to try to determine what makes the popular girls tick. But somehow, when Lydia and Julie try to imitate the popular girls, their efforts don't translate into instant popularity. 

The Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life
By Russell, Rachel Renee

This hilarious novel follows eighth-grader Nikki Maxwell as she chronicles through text and sketches her thoughts on friendships, crushes, popularity, and family. Illustrations.  

Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf: A Year Told Through Stuff
By Holm, Jennifer L. 

Told entirely through notes, grocery receipts, report cards, bottle caps, newspaper clippings, and other pieces of a young girls life, Newbery Honor winner Holm delivers the story of Ginnys seventh-grade year using all the things that "really" matter. Full color. 

Drooling and Dangerous: the Riot Brothers Return!
By Amato, Mary; Ill. by Ethan Long

Orville and Wilbur embark on new adventures as spies, movie stars, and insect flingers, wreaking havoc on the unsuspecting world!

Max's Logbook
By Moss, Marissa

Clever, curious Max, a budding scientist, begins a logbook to record his hilarious experiments and ideas for inventions. In a journal-like style, his logbook also introduces us to his school, friends, family, and an inventive comic strip, Alien Erasers. 

Regarding the Fountain: A Tale, in Letters, of Liars and Leaks
By Klise, Kate

The hilarious chronicle, in letters, cards, transcripts, and other documents, of the nefarious doings in the town of Dry Creek, as collected by Mr. Sam N.'s fifth-grade class. A highly original work of middle-grade fiction that's a visual and verbal delight on every page, from the cast of characters to a variety of subplots. 

Never Underestimate Your Dumbness
By Benton, Jim

The wedding between Jamie's aunt and Angeline's uncle is nearing, and they will be joined together until death--or a much-wished-for divorce. Now, three of Jamie's most dreaded nightmares are about to be combined into one unbearable event. Illustrations.