There would be few primary school readers (and even those a little older) who do not know the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series , one of the pivotal series to get boys reading that I’ve encountered throughout my teaching career and the companion series written by Greg Heffley's best friend, Rowley Jefferson. Kinney , identified as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World because he creates characters that kids relate to - the ones that are often on the outside looking in because they are awkward un-heroes who are the targets of pranksters and bullies, who make bad decisions but with the best intentions, but despite the dubious outcomes of some of their ideas, right always wins over wrong. And both Greg and Rowley and the reader learn something along the way.
In this new special addition, readers are taken into the world of Rowley Jefferson’s imagination. where they meet zombies, vampires, ghosts, and much more in these comically terrifying tales - just in time for that one night of the year when such creatures roam the planet one last time before being consigned to heaven or hell and homes are awash with items like jack-o-lanterns to ward them off. Even for those who do not acknowledge Hallowe'en, the stories continue the current fascination with these sorts of characters, while for those who relate to Rowley, it puts them in charge because the imagination is a place where the pranksters and bullies can't invade.
Short stories, first-person narration that immediately engages the reader easy-to-read font, cartoon drawings and topical characters mean this is another that will encourage even the most reluctant reader to pick it up. And with 20 in the Wimpy Kid series who knows where it might lead as they get a boost from knowing they can read and there is pleasure in print. This is one that is not so much about the content but its potential to lead to other things.
This review can also be found here.
Recommended by: Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian, New South Wales AUSTRALIA
See more of her recommendations:
500 Hats http://500hats.edublogs.org/
The Bottom Shelf http://thebottomshelf.edublogs.org/
