The Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth

Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth

Author: Jeff Kinney

Publisher: Amulet Books

Date: November 2010

Number of pages: 224 pages

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Comedy

Summary:  Greg Heffley begins his journal by saying it has been two weeks since he had a big fight with his ex-best-friend, Rowley Jefferson. Then he finds out that Rowley's parents found a replacement best friend: an employee of a role-model-for-hire company called "Cool Brian." Greg goes to extreme lengths to win popularity points at his school. He posts edited photos on the Internet in an attempt not to be more popular, but to simply show others that his life is not boring or stressful, since he is jealous of the comfortable and fun-filled lives of others shown in their photos.

Greg fails and attempt this year to audition for a local commercial/advertisement for an ice cream company called "Peachy Breeze." He only fails because he is 13, and the person needed for the advertisement needs to be 3-6 years old.  Greg complains that he is not treated fairly because of his age by family, friends and news reporters, he then realizes that he is more in the lime light then he deserved and wanted.

Greg's mother decides that now would be a good time to return to college, leaving the family to fend for themselves. Many of the chores are left undone and without his mother at home, most all stability falls apart. As the men must take care of food is often ruined, and misfortune often strikes the family when they simply go out to eat. He also complains that he must take more time to do his homework since his mother often helps in the way of giving him all the answers, and his father makes him do the work on his own. In this book Greg is to take on many new responsibilities, including; waking up on his own, doing his own laundry and taking care of his younger brother Manny. The year isn't shaping out as planned when he accidentally set off the fire alarm at school but somehow manages not to get caught.  At school, a "Lock-In" is organized where boys and girls Greg's age have a supervised sleepover in the school. It turns out to be a disaster, in which there are nearly no girls, and an excess amounts of parent chaperons. One of the chaperone's intentionally turned off the heater in the auditorium and switched on the AC to keep the misbehaving boys in their beds through the night.

After the Lock-In incident, he arrives to school with a large pimple on his forehead. This makes Greg wonder about his growth spurt and if puberty is about to hit.  Due to this curiosity, Greg is humiliated at a family function as he grandma has "the talk" with him. Following this horrendous disaster to make the first move and mends his friendship with his ex-best friend Rowley, and the two became friends again. Everything is back to normal once again.

My reaction: The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are always so fun and entertaining. Kinney (the author) has a distinct way of sharing his humor with his readers. It brings to light the horrible experiences any young boy goes through on his adventure through the awkward middle years of his life. Facing facts, starting to be interested in girls, worrying about friendships, and humiliation comes to play. I love his witty comments about puberty and facing the facts of growing up and taking responsibility. In this specific "diary" Greg learns that he needs to step-up to the plate and take on new tasks to get him through his day, which means helping out a little more at home, and acquiring new skills.

Potential problems: Might have borderline inappropriate conversation for little boys younger then about 11.

My recommendation: I think towards the end of elementary and beginning of middle school this book should be given to boys who have yet to find their niche for reading. I have not met a young lad yet who fought the love for Diary of a Wimpy Kid. They are humorous and fun to read while also teaching moral lessons and higher expectations of living.