Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid by Jeff Kinney

Pages: 217

Intended Audience: Tweens

Genre: Humor, Contemporary

Notes for Parents: Contains some bullying

The Back Cover

Description from Goodreads.com:

Introducing the newest Wimpy Kid author—Rowley Jefferson! Rowley’s best friend Greg Heffley has been chronicling his middle-school years in thirteen Diary of a Wimpy Kid journals . . . and counting. But it’s finally time for readers to hear directly from Rowley in a journal of his own. In Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid, Rowley writes about his experiences and agrees to play the role of biographer for Greg along the way. (After all, one day Greg will be rich and famous, and everyone will want to know his life’s story.) But Rowley is a poor choice for the job, and his “biography” of Greg is a hilarious mess.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is a companion book to The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

What’s good?

Rowley Jefferson has decided to keep a diary just like his best friend Greg. As Rowley chronicles their adventures, it becomes evident that Rowley is trusting and kind, while Greg is manipulative and selfish. But Rowley is determined to be an awesome friendly kid. The book is quick and easy to read. Rowley is very likeable. The illustrations are fun and the plot is simple.  

Best Part: I like how hard Rowley tries to be a good friend.

What isn’t good?

The humor is mostly cringe-worthy stuff. Greg is terrible to Rowley and Rowley doesn’t quite seem to understand that he deserves better. It’s tough to watch.

Worst part: Greg

Recommendation ☺☺ (2/5)

I didn’t find it entertaining at all to read about a kid being treated badly by someone he considers a friend. I suppose those who have read The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books have a better understanding of the dynamics of Rowley’s and Greg’s relationship. I did not.

Kinney, Jeff. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid. New York: Amulet Books, 2019.