Yesterday, I ate lunch with a group of unfamiliar librarians. After the small talk died down we sat looking at each other and smiling. It was time for my favorite question. "What are y'all currently reading?" This is my chance to do a little reconnaissance work.
During my turn I announce, "I just finished 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid.'" It is written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney who uses a cartoon format to tell a story. This last sentence is added for your benefit. I am lucky if I remember the title correctly.
The librarian next to me spoke up and said, "I have to tell you a funny." She continued, "My daughter, Lauren, came up to me and asked if Jared was sick." He hadn't complained of any ailments to me. "No. Why?" With a deadpan expression she said, "Because, he is always reading."
Apparently, Jared is enamored with the Wimpy Kid series and eaten them all up at once. There are four published in this series that include the original, plus "Rodrick Rules," "The Last Straw" and "Dog Days." Jared also likes the Alex Rider series for those mothers out there who recognize a kindred spirit in their sons.
This is exciting! Boys reading! I later looked on the local public library's catalog and found most of the titles checked out. One could really be excited knowing that even more boys were reading, but there is no proof. These could be checked out by girls, too.
So, what's the hubbub, Bud? Main character, Greg Heffley, ask his mother for a "journal" not a girly "diary!" Well, she hears what she wants to hear and brings home a diary. So, if anyone asks, it is a journal. Greg believes keeping track of his life now will lessen headaches later when he is famous. See, he can make copies of his journal and pass to all the reporters; thus, keep those pesky childhood questions to a bare minimum.
Greg is a typical middle school student, he tries to be popular and avoid the Cheese Touch at all costs. Abe Hall got the Cheese Touch last year and no one would come near him. He moved to California over the summer and Greg hopes he took it with him. One is afflicted with CT after they come in contact with a moldy slice rotting on the school's outdoor basketball court.
In an interview with author Kinney he said, "My goal was to write a book that made people laugh." He can sleep well at night knowing millions of kids are laughing.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (copy)
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7 comments:
I have read all the wimpy kid books and they are really charming. Not exactly high literature but very much within grasp since everyone shares horrid memories of middle school...I'm 29 and laughed out loud a few times.
Sounds like a cute series. I'll look them up once our Public Library has recovered from the roof falling in and having to move.
Audiobooklove - In the same vein as "build it and they will come" comes "make it funny and they will read!" :) Thanks for stopping by!
No!!!! Sharon! Where is this?!?
I can vouch that at my library, boys and girls are both reading them, but it trends to the boys. All four titles still have waiting lists.
Most of my library programs have a majority girl attendance, but my Diary of a Wimpy Kid party was 95% male. The guys were actually lining up outside the meeting room door before the party which has NEVER happened before.
OMG! That is great news Jennie! Can you believe they are already working on a movie for this! I saw photos last week while surfing the internet. Yay Greg Heffley!!!
I was sorta saddened by the fact they were doing a movie,too. I think of all those boys who will forgo the books and wait for the movie...
I finally found a copy on the shelf. I'll take a look.
I think you will be reading the rest Rick!
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