For all those boys out there, who stick up their noses that Diaries are only for girls, I would suggest that they pick up the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. The protagonist Greg Heffley, studying in Middle school is one of the most unlikely heroes anyone has ever come across.
The book is written in the format of a journal with entries and illustrations. The writing and illustrations are sure to make readers smile, chuckle and laugh out loud in turns.
The author has captured the true essence of a middle grade student who is undersized and lives in mortal fear of bullying from the older and better built students, with whom he has to share the school hallways. Your heart will bleed for this weakling who tries everything to build his body so he can do the bullying instead of being at the receiving end.
Can you believe this, the hero celebrates being the 52{+n}{+d} or 53{+r}{+d} most popular guy in school! Moreover, the boy one spot above him will be getting braces next week and this will ensure that Greg moves up a notch. What a die hard optimist is he?
Being the middle kid with an elder brother Rodrick and a younger one Manny means that Greg will get his fair share of bullying from the elder sibling and will also pass on the bullying to the younger one. The elder one is too smart to get caught or be outsmarted, while bullying the younger one constantly gets Greg into trouble with his mom. It's something every middle child will identify with.
One does feel sorry for Rowley, Greg's classmate, friend and neighbour. Rowley is a readymade punching bag and the recipient of all Greg's tricks and a victim of most of his endeavours gone wrong.
So, what are you waiting for, pick up the Wimpy Kid book and laugh your heart out at Greg's antics.
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, a novel in cartoons written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney, Puffin Books
