The extremely relatable and hilarious antics of Greg Heffley and his friends have made the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series wildly popular and inspired many, many hours of reading for young readers around the world. Although there are 22 books (and counting), what would a kid read when they’re done with this uber-popular series?
Here are 15 books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid that invoke the same sense of humor, creativity, and binge-worthy reading and come highly recommended by reviewers on Bookopolis—a “Goodreads for kids” platform where young readers share book reviews and recommendations with classmates.
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
Books Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid
1. Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce
Sixth-grader Nate Wright (aka, King of Detention) truly believes he’s destined for greatness, but things don’t always work out as he plans. This very popular comic series offers the charm and wit of “old-school” comic strips like Calvin and Hobbes.
Buy now: Big Nate at Amazon | Big Nate at Bookshop
2. The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon
Readers will laugh out loud as they enjoy highly illustrated diary entries by middle schooler Tom Gates about the daily dramas he endures to survive school, his annoying sister, and his embarrassing dad.
Buy now: The Brilliant World of Tom Gates at Amazon | The Brilliant World of Tom Gates at Bookshop
3. Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell
Young readers everywhere relate to the dramatic (and comedic) ups and downs that eighth-grader Nikki Maxwell records in her diary as she navigates a new middle school.
Buy now: Dork Diaries at Amazon | Dork Diaries at Bookshop
4. El Deafo by Cece Bell
The author’s real-life experience of losing her hearing and having to get hearing aids in elementary school is re-told with oodles of humor, charm, and heart in this Newbery Honor-winning graphic novel.
Buy now: El Deafo at Amazon | El Deafo at Bookshop
5. Hilo by Judd Winick
This humor and action-packed series chronicles what happens when Hilo falls from the sky and teams up with Earthling kids DJ and Gina. These books seamlessly weave themes of friendship with crazy school-based adventures and elements of fantasy.
Buy now: Hilo at Amazon | Hilo at Bookshop
6. The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier
Monster apocalypse meets humor in this graphic novel series about a group of ordinary kid heroes who must defeat zombies and other scary creatures. Clever writing, excellent illustrations, and a perfect hero’s journey story arc make this a Bookopolis favorite.
Buy now: The Last Kids on Earth at Amazon | The Last Kids on Earth at Bookshop
7. The Misadventures of Max Crumbly by Rachel Renée Russell
This Dork Diaries spin-off series delivers high-quality laughs as readers follow Max’s mishaps with bullies, teachers, and friends in middle school.
Buy now: The Misadventures of Max Crumbly at Amazon | The Misadventures of Max Crumbly at Bookshop
8. Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales by Nathan Hale
This series makes history incredibly engaging with graphic novel re-tellings of both famous and lesser-known aspects of important historic events like the experiences of a spy during the Revolutionary War and the backstory of the helmets worn during World War II.
Buy now: Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales at Amazon | Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales at Bookshop
9. Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson
What happens when you accidentally hit a magical unicorn with a rock and are granted one wish? Follow the crazy and funny adventures of nine-year-old Phoebe to find out. Clever writing, original plots, and superb drawings make this a fan favorite.
Buy now: Phoebe and Her Unicorn at Amazon | Phoebe and Her Unicorn at Bookshop
10. Sisters by Raina Telgemeier
In one of the most popular books on Bookopolis, readers are drawn to the author’s own humor-filled experience of suffering through a family road trip with her annoying little sister. Raina’s other graphic novels are equally beloved.
Buy now: Sisters at Amazon | Sisters at Bookshop
11. Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
Danger, adventure, and laughs mix perfectly in this series about super-nerd Ben Ripley turned junior CIA agent. This highly engaging series is now available as a graphic novel.
Buy now: Spy School at Amazon | Spy School at Bookshop
12. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
Star Wars fans get extra love in this fantastically funny and sweet series about a group of kids navigating the cliques and drama of sixth grade. As an added bonus, this book has inspired many kids to learn origami!
Buy now: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda at Amazon | The Strange Case of Origami Yoda at Bookshop
13. Tapper Twins Go to War (with Each Other) by Geoff Rodkey
Told as an “oral history” that blends text messages, photos, and screenshots, this hilarious recounting of Claudia and Reese’s sibling prank war gone awry is the first in a much-loved series.
Buy now: Tapper Twins Go to War (with Each Other) at Amazon | Tapper Twins Go to War (with Each Other) at Bookshop
14. The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John
Two school pranksters in a boring town must decide whether to unite or fight in this epically funny story from two of the most popular kid lit authors and illustrators. This book has the energy and appeal of a middle-grade version of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Buy now: The Terrible Two at Amazon | The Terrible Two at Bookshop
15. Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephen Pastis
Hilarious antics, mystery, and adventure abound in this big-hearted series centered around a clueless but lovable young detective and his best friend and business partner (who happens to be a polar bear).
Buy now: Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made at Amazon | Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made at Bookshop
Look for more books? Check out our roundup of multicultural books about belonging.
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