Are you excited to jump into Greg’s funny adventures? If you want to read all the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books in order 1-20, you are in the right spot. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is very popular around the world. It has sold more than 300 million copies and is read in many languages. Greg’s story begins with Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Book 1). You will laugh a lot as you see Greg deal with middle school problems and his crazy family. There are 20 Diary of a Wimpy Kid books in order from 1 to 20, along with extra books. Greg’s journey has many moments you will always remember.
- 20 main Diary of a Wimpy Kid books published by 2025
- Over 300 million copies sold all over the world
- The series comes in 87 editions and 70 languages
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books in Order 1-20
If you want to follow greg’s hilarious journey, you’ll love this complete guide to the diary of a wimpy kid books in order 1-20. Here’s what you can expect from each book, so you know exactly where to start and what’s coming up next.
Book 1: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007)
You meet greg, a middle schooler who just wants to fit in. He deals with popularity, friendship, and the ups and downs of growing up. The story uses a mix of funny writing and doodles, making it easy to read and super relatable. greg’s adventures show you what it’s like to survive middle school, from embarrassing moments to tricky friendships.
Critics love how this book mixes humor with real-life situations. You’ll laugh at greg’s awkward moments and see yourself in his struggles.
Here’s a quick look at the main themes:
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Popularity and Acceptance | greg wants to fit in and be liked by his classmates. |
| Social Status and Friendship | greg’s friendships change based on what’s “cool.” |
| Ideals of Masculinity | greg faces pressure to act a certain way because he’s a boy. |
| Bullying | greg deals with bullies and learns how to stand up for himself. |
| Independence and Growing Up | greg tries to figure out who he is as he gets older. |
Book 2: Rodrick Rules (2008)
Greg’s older brother, Rodrick, makes life even harder. You see their sibling rivalry get out of control. greg tries to keep a big secret from getting out, but things never go as planned. The book is packed with funny disasters, like a wild party and a talent show gone wrong. You’ll see how greg’s reputation changes, sometimes for the better, sometimes not.
| Key Plot Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Summer Swimming Struggles | greg’s summer goes wrong when he joins the swim team. |
| Rodrick’s Party Predicament | Rodrick throws a party that almost gets greg in big trouble. |
| School Year Shenanigans | greg faces the “Cheese Touch” and friendship drama. |
| Sibling Rivalry Escalates | greg and Rodrick compete and prank each other. |
| Talent Show Turmoil | Both brothers fail at the school talent show. |
| The Secret’s Out | greg’s embarrassing secret comes out, but it actually helps him. |
| Unexpected Popularity Boost | greg’s summer mishap makes him more popular at school. |
Book 3: The Last Straw (2009)
Greg’s dad wants him to toughen up, so he tries to send greg to military school. greg does everything he can to avoid it. You’ll meet new characters like Lenwood Heath, who shows greg what could happen if he doesn’t shape up, and Trista, a new neighbor who brings hope for a fresh start. The book is all about family expectations and trying to change.
- greg faces pressure to “man up.”
- New friends and neighbors shake things up.
- greg tries to dodge military school at all costs.
Book 4: Dog Days (2009)
Summer should be relaxing, but not for greg. He wants to play video games inside, but his mom pushes him to go outside. greg’s time at the country club gets awkward, and his birthday doesn’t go as planned. He even tries to start a lawn care business with Rowley, but that’s a disaster too. The summer ends with a beach trip that’s full of surprises.
| Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Summer Guilt Trip | greg’s mom wants him outside, but he’d rather stay in. |
| Country Club Drama | greg’s friendship gets tested at the country club. |
| Poolside Predicaments | greg faces his fears at the town pool and during his birthday. |
| Birthday Disappointments | greg’s birthday isn’t what he hoped for. |
| Lawn Service Fiasco | greg and Rowley’s business fails. |
| Beach Trip Blunders | The family beach trip doesn’t go smoothly. |
Book 5: The Ugly Truth (2010)
Greg starts to realize that growing up isn’t as easy as he thought. He deals with awkward changes, more responsibility, and even boy-girl parties. greg’s friendship with Rowley is on the rocks, and he has to handle family drama too.
“greg Heffley has always been in a hurry to grow up. But is getting older really all it’s cracked up to be? greg suddenly finds himself dealing with the pressures of boy-girl parties, increased responsibilities, and even the awkward changes that come with getting older—all without his best friend, Rowley, at his side.”
The story dives into family responsibilities and how greg’s relationships with his parents and siblings shape who he is.
Book 6: Cabin Fever (2011)
Greg gets blamed for something he didn’t do at school. Then a blizzard traps his family inside their house. You’ll see greg try to survive being stuck with his family, running out of food, and dealing with his little brother’s mischief. The holidays add even more stress.
- greg is accused of damaging school property.
- A blizzard means everyone is stuck together.
- The family almost runs out of food and power.
Book 7: The Third Wheel (2012)
Greg wants a date for the Valentine’s Day dance. He feels nervous about fitting in and wonders if he’ll ever be popular. The book shows how tough middle school can be when you’re trying to impress others and not get left out.
The main conflict is greg’s quest for a date, which brings out all his insecurities about social life.
Book 8: Hard Luck (2013)
Greg’s best friend, Rowley, gets a girlfriend, and greg feels left out. He tries to find new friends and even uses a Magic 8 Ball to make decisions. The story is all about how friendships change and how you can fix things when they go wrong.
| Evidence Description | Key Themes | Impact on Friendship |
|---|---|---|
| greg’s mom says “family is forever,” but Rowley drifts away. | Family vs. Friendship | greg feels left out and struggles with the changes. |
| Rowley’s new relationship changes everything. | Change in Dynamics | greg feels abandoned and has a hard time at school. |
| greg tries to fix things after Rowley’s breakup. | Reconciliation | The story ends with hope for their friendship. |
Book 9: The Long Haul (2014)
Greg’s family goes on a road trip, and everything that can go wrong does. Packing is a mess, Manny wins a piglet, and the family fights over everything. They run into car trouble, lose their food, and even battle another family. In the end, the chaos turns into a story they’ll never forget.
- The Heffleys can’t pack or work together.
- Sibling rivalry and family arguments are everywhere.
- The trip is a disaster, but it brings the family closer.
Book 10: Old School (2015)
Greg’s town decides to go “old school” and unplug from technology. greg isn’t happy about it. He has to survive without his favorite gadgets and even goes on a school trip to Hardscrabble Farms. greg learns that sometimes, the old ways aren’t so bad, but he still misses his video games.
- greg faces life without electronics.
- The school trip tests his patience and creativity.
- greg discovers new ways to have fun.
Book 11: Double Down (2016)
Greg thinks his life is like a reality show. He tries to make a horror movie, joins the school band, and gets into all kinds of trouble before Halloween. greg’s pet pig causes chaos, and he learns that sometimes, things don’t go as planned.
- greg suspects everyone is acting for a show.
- He makes a horror movie and joins the band.
- greg’s pet pig eats his candy corn, leading to more problems.
Book 12: The Getaway (2017)
Greg’s family goes on a vacation to Isla de Corales, the same resort where his parents honeymooned. greg hates flying, and the trip is full of stress, lost luggage, and weird animals. The resort isn’t what his parents remember, and greg just wants to go home.
The story stands out because most of it happens at a tropical resort, not at home or school. greg sees how much things have changed since his parents’ honeymoon.
Book 13: The Meltdown (2018)
Winter hits, and greg’s neighborhood turns into a battleground. Kids form alliances and fight epic snowball wars. greg and Rowley get lost in the woods and run into the mysterious Mingo Kids. The snow finally melts, and everyone is relieved.
- The snowball fight becomes a huge neighborhood war.
- greg and Rowley face new dangers and challenges.
- The snowplow ends the chaos, and peace returns.
Book 14: Wrecking Ball (2019)
Greg’s family decides to renovate their house, but nothing goes right. greg deals with construction disasters, hidden problems, and the idea of moving. The book shows how stressful home improvement can be, especially when you’re a kid.
- greg’s house is a mess during renovations.
- The family thinks about moving.
- greg learns that change isn’t always easy.
Book 15: The Deep End (2020)
Greg’s family hits the road in a camper for a summer adventure. They face campground disasters, wild animals, and bad weather. greg tries to survive the chaos and keep his family together.
The story focuses on greg’s journey through unexpected challenges, showing how he handles pressure and learns about himself.
Book 16: Big Shot (2021)
Greg joins a basketball team, even though he’s not very good at sports. His mom thinks sports build character, but greg just wants to survive the season. The big Field Day competition brings out everyone’s competitive side.
- Greg struggles with basketball and teamwork.
- His mom pushes him to try his best.
- Field Day shows how sports can be fun and stressful.
Book 17: Diper Överlöde (2022)
Rodrick wants his band, Löded Diper, to become famous. greg gets pulled into the band’s wild adventures, from crazy gigs to band drama. The story is all about teamwork, ambition, and learning to work with others.
- Rodrick dreams of rock stardom.
- The band faces leadership struggles and creative fights.
- greg learns the value of friendship and collaboration.
Book 18: No Brainer (2023)
Greg runs for student council, but things get out of hand. He faces leadership challenges, school budget cuts, and the return of the Cheese Touch. greg’s promises get bigger and wilder, but he can’t keep them all. Friendships are tested, and greg learns that being a leader isn’t easy.
| Challenge Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Leadership Struggles | greg’s campaign gets chaotic and confusing. |
| Friendship Tested | Rowley questions greg’s choices. |
| Financial Crisis | School budget cuts make things tough. |
| Chaos from Cheese Touch | The Cheese Touch distracts everyone. |
| Unrealistic Promises | greg can’t keep all his promises. |
| Strained Relationships | greg’s leadership causes problems with friends. |
| Realization of Limitations | greg learns that leadership is harder than it looks. |
Book 19: The Meltdown (2023)
Greg faces another round of winter chaos. The neighborhood snowball fight returns, and greg must navigate shifting alliances and old rivalries. The story highlights how greg deals with the unpredictable world around him and tries to keep his friendships strong.
- greg gets caught up in snowball wars again.
- Friendships and rivalries heat up.
- greg learns about loyalty and teamwork.
Book 20: Partypooper (2024)
Greg’s family plans a big celebration, but nothing goes as expected. greg tries to keep things under control, but surprises and disasters keep popping up. The book wraps up greg’s journey (for now) with laughs, lessons, and a reminder that family and friends matter most.
- greg faces party planning disasters.
- Surprises test greg’s patience and creativity.
- The story ends with greg appreciating the people around him.
If you want to read the diary of a wimpy kid books in order 1-20, start at the beginning and enjoy greg’s wild ride through middle school and beyond. Each book brings new laughs, challenges, and lessons, making the books in order a must-read for fans of all ages.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series: How to Read the Books in Order
If you want to dive into the diary of a wimpy kid series, you should always start at the beginning. The first book introduces you to greg and his world. You get to see how greg thinks, what makes him laugh, and why his life feels so awkward sometimes. Here’s a simple way to begin the series in the best order:
- Start with Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Book 1) to meet greg and understand his journey.
- Move on to Rodrick Rules, where greg faces new challenges with his brother.
- Continue with The Last Straw to see more family drama and greg’s attempts to avoid military school.
- Read Dog Days for greg’s summer adventures and family activities.
- Finish the first part with The Ugly Truth, where greg deals with growing up and family surprises.
Reading the books in this order helps you follow greg’s story as he grows and changes. You won’t miss any of the funny moments or important lessons.
What to Expect
When you read the diary of a wimpy kid series, you step into greg’s shoes. You’ll laugh at his awkward moments and cringe at his embarrassing stories. The series is full of gross-out humor, like greg’s run-in with deviled eggs at a neighbor’s party. You’ll see greg struggle with middle school, friendships, and family. He isn’t always brave or perfect, but that’s what makes him so relatable.
You can expect:
- Lots of humor that matches what kids find funny.
- Real-life situations that show greg’s uncertainty and social challenges.
- Life lessons about self-acceptance and bouncing back when things go wrong.
- Stories that help you see you’re not alone in feeling awkward or unsure.
The diary of a wimpy kid series keeps things light but also teaches you about friendship, family, and growing up. If you read the books in order, you’ll enjoy every part of greg’s journey and see how he handles each new adventure.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books in Order of Publication
Chronological List
If you want to follow greg’s journey from the very start, you should check out the diary of a wimpy kid books in order of publication. This way, you get to see how greg changes and how the series grows with each new book. Here’s a handy table to help you keep track of the books and their release years:
| No | Title | Publication Year | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diary of a Wimpy Kid | April 1, 2007 | 978-0-8109-9313-6 |
| 2 | Rodrick Rules | 2008 | 978-0-8109-9473-7 |
| 3 | The Last Straw | 2009 | 978-0-8109-7068-7 |
| 4 | Dog Days | 2009 | 978-0-8109-8391-5 |
| 5 | The Ugly Truth | 2010 | 978-1-4197-0172-6 |
| 6 | Cabin Fever | 2011 | 978-1-4197-0173-3 |
| 7 | The Third Wheel | 2012 | 978-1-4197-0584-7 |
| 8 | Hard Luck | 2013 | 978-1-4197-0902-9 |
| 9 | The Long Haul | 2014 | 978-1-4197-1189-3 |
| 10 | Old School | 2015 | 978-1-4197-1701-7 |
| 11 | Double Down | 2016 | 978-1-4197-2344-5 |
| 12 | The Getaway | 2017 | 978-1-4197-2847-1 |
| 13 | The Meltdown | 2018 | 978-1-4197-3400-7 |
| 14 | Wrecking Ball | 2019 | 978-1-4197-3900-2 |
| 15 | The Deep End | 2020 | 978-1-4197-4676-5 |
| 16 | Big Shot | 2021 | 978-1-4197-5616-0 |
| 17 | Diper Överlöde | 2022 | N/A |
| 18 | No Brainer | 2023 | N/A |
| 19 | Hot Mess | 2024 | N/A |
| 20 | Partypooper | 2024 | N/A |
You can use this list to read the series in the right order. When you follow the diary of a wimpy kid books in order of publication, you won’t miss any of greg’s important moments.
Story Continuity
Reading the books in order helps you understand greg’s story better. The series builds on greg’s life, so each book adds something new. If you skip around, you might miss out on how greg’s friendships and family change. Here’s why reading the series in order matters:
- The first ten books show greg growing up and facing new challenges every year.
- After book 10, you’ll notice the series changes a bit. greg’s adventures feel different, and the stories focus on new ideas.
- If you read the books out of order, you might feel confused about greg’s relationships or miss some jokes.
- The series works best when you follow greg’s journey step by step.
Tip: Start with the first book and move through the series in order. You’ll enjoy seeing how greg’s world changes, and you’ll catch all the funny details that make these books special.
You can jump into the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series at any point, but starting from the beginning lets you watch greg grow and change. Each book gives you a peek into greg’s world, full of laughs and real-life moments. If you read the books in order, you see how greg faces new challenges and learns along the way.
- Every book brings something new about greg’s life.
- You’ll find stories that feel just like your own school days.
Ready to start reading? Grab a book and join greg’s adventures!
FAQ
What age is best for reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid?
You’ll enjoy these books most if you’re between 8 and 12 years old. The stories use simple language and lots of humor. Even older readers find Greg’s adventures funny and relatable.
Do I need to read the books in order?
You don’t have to, but you’ll get more out of Greg’s story if you do. Reading in order helps you see how Greg and his friends change over time.
Are there any extra books or spin-offs?
Yes! You can check out the “Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid” series. Rowley Jefferson tells his side of the story. There are also activity books and movie diaries.
Can adults enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid?
Absolutely! Many parents and teachers love these books. You might laugh at the jokes and remember your own school days. The humor works for all ages.
