Kinney, J. (2007).  Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  New York: Amulet Books. Jeff Kinney has written some of the bestselling children's books in his series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  This book is the first in a series which introduces us to Greg, a middle school boy.  He is clear that this is a journal and not a diary; also, that it is his Mom's idea and not his.  In true journal style, the pages are lined and dated by month.  It opens in September at the beginning of the school year, we are introduced to his closest friend, Rowley. Rowley and Greg have a strange relationship, they do things together but Greg feels a little sorry for the unpopular, uncool boy.  Greg is not very popular himself but is quick to share his ideas and thoughts in his journal.  Greg has an older brother, Rodrick who has a van and plays in a rock band with his friends. His younger brother, Manny is his parents’ favorite and is still a little kid.  Fregley is the nerd of the school that somehow always seems to work himself into Greg's life. Once his Mom makes up her mind that Greg will do an activity it happens regardless of how much Greg begs.  At his Mom’s insistence, he has to take part in the school play.  Despite the tireless work of his teacher, Mrs. Norton, it does not end well.  We follow Greg throughout the school year via his journal, a few lines and then a drawing of Greg's life.  In the fall, Greg is sure he wants a weight set to help him with the wrestling unit but by Christmas, it is not important.  He and Rowley sign up for Safety Patrol helping the kindergartens walk home midday.  They are able to have hot chocolate in the morning and be out of most of the Pre-Algebra class.  Everything was going well, when a neighbor reported that Rowley was unkind to the younger students, he is suspended from his safety duties.  Greg was actually the culprit that was chasing the kids with worms.  He owns up to it with Rowley but not anyone else, he is eventually found out and it relieved of his duties permanently.  Rowley ignores him now despite the past mutual friendship, hours of video games, Halloween, comic strip creations and snow fights. Greg is now the outsider as Rowley become more popular with the safety patrol team and comic strip series in the school newspaper. Eventually, after an unfortunate event with a group of teenagers, Greg and Rowley start to hang out again when Greg deflects Rowley from being embarrassed from the whole school. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a delightful journey seen through the eyes of Greg. There are at least eight more books in the series, many tie-in books and basis of two movies. It is an excellent series and enjoyable to share and read aloud with others.