Thursday, March 26, 2009

Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Diary of a Wimpy kid: Rodrick Rules is the sequel to Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the second in the series. As I shared in my review of Diary of a Wimpy Kid (You can read the review HERE) that this is one of my son's favorite book series. My son AJ who is 10, was so happy that I read the first book and when I finished it, he lined up book 2 and 3 in the series on my nightstand. What mother could say no to that?!

This book picks up after summer vacation when school starts for Gregory. He continues writing in his diary or as he prefers to call it a journal as diaries are for girls. The book is largely focused on Gregory's escapades with his older brother Rodrick who is in high school and has a band called the "loded diaper". Rodrick knows a secret about Gregory, something that happened over summer vacation that Gregory does not want anyone to know. So, Gregory ends up helping Rodrick with his homework and covering his share of chores to avoid his "secret" from being exposed. His secret is finally exposed but as things turn out it isn't as bad as Gregory thinks it will be as the story gets twisted in translation. Gregory is turned into a hero and Mr. popularity and he never expected that. These books address issues that kids often deal with including teasing, bullying, sibling rivalry and more. If you read it along with your child, you can discuss these issues with them. It has the kind of humor that kids like and adults often do as well.

The reading level for these books are ages 9-12 but they are fun for adults to read as well. This is a great book for boys and girls, well read and reluctant readers as it will draw them in through humor and the comics. According to the author, Jeff Kinney's website, the series started off as a web comic online at Funbrain.com . There is another book in the series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do- it-yourself Book(an interactive journal)and a third book that was just released in January of 2009 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. They are enjoyable and funny books and I like being able to read a book that my son likes. He had fun talking to me about the book asking me questions about what parts I had read and it was a nice dialogue and way to connect with him. He has the next book lined up for me on my nightstand so I will be starting that soon.

5 comments:

  1. These books look like so much fun. Your son sounds so cute, encouraging you to read!

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  2. Hi Bonnie! It seems like forever since I have stopped by! I miss checking to see what you have been up to, lol! This sounds like a really fun series. I need to pick the first one up soon! Great post!

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  3. Bonnie,
    That is so endearing that he wants you to read these so he lined them up for you!! Wait until he gets older and he wants you to read about surviving the end of time and zombies!! My son is 14 and he's asked me to read his graphic novel series that he's so in to and like you I can't say no! I loved your review and so many of my students check this book out. In fact, I can't keep this series on the shelves!!

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  4. Ha! My son, also 10, was very happy when I read the newest book in the series. However, I got it as an ARC and my son LOST IT! Yes! I had to buy another copy because I had promised the publisher a review.

    I have to say, it was a lot of fun to read. I can see why a kid that age enjoys them so much.

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  5. I'm going to have to borrow these from my daughter. She laughed out loud reading this one and would run over to me to share a passage.

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

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