15 Hilarious Books Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney has been a hit with young readers ever since its release. Today, it’s one of the most recognized illustrated books in the whole world.

The series follows pre-teen Greg Heffley, the titular wimp who illustrates scenes from his life in a secret diary. From the problems of a growing kid to all the fun triumphs, the books capture all the highs and lows of middle school.

With more than 250 million copies sold worldwide, this is the sixth best-selling book series in history, just behind the likes of Harry Potter and Goosebumps.

Books Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Because the series is so popular, fans are always eager to read the next installment. But the author can only write so much while still maintaining quality.

So while you or any kid you know are still waiting for the next release, here is a list of books similar in humor, tone, and themes to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Read on below!

1. The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier; illustrated by Douglas Holgate

Reading Age: 8–12 years

It’s hard surviving a sudden monster apocalypse, especially when it seems like you’re the last kids on Earth. In a secure treehouse filled with all the snacks and drinks they’ll ever want. Jack, his best friend Quint, reformed bully Dirk, and his crush June lay down a plan to defeat the scarily intelligent monster Blarg and win the apocalypse.

2. Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Reading Age: 7 years and up

The only one thing that surpasses George Beard’s and Harold Hutchin’s love for pranks is drawing their own comic books. Together they invent the greatest hero known to man, Captain Underpant—by hypnotizing their principal into stripping to his underwear, no less.

3. The Terrible Two by Jory John and Mac Barnett; illustrated by Kevin Cornell

Reading Age: 8–12 years

Master prankster Miles Murphy has recently moved to boring small town Yawnee Valley. Naturally, he’s on to staking his claim as the best prankster in school. Just one problem: there’s already a prankster king in residence and there’s not enough space for two.

4. El Deafo by Cece Bell, illustrated by David Lasky

Reading Age: 8–12 years

Cece’s starting at a new school, and everyone seems put off by the giant hearing aid she’s wearing. What they don’t know, though, is that it gives her superpowers! She can hear her teachers no matter where they are in the school. As El Deafo, Listener of All, can she use this power to find herself a true friend?

5. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

Reading Age: 8–12 years

Sixth-grader Dwight is the resident oddball with one really cool talent: origami. One day he folds himself a finger puppet of Master Yoda. But soon, Origami Yoda seems to take on a life of its own, predicting the future and advising Dwight on how to escape sticky situations.

6. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhug

Reading Age: 8–12 years

Harriet M. Welsch calls herself a spy. She’s got this precious little notebook where she writes anything and everything about anyone. But when it ends up in the wrong hands, Harriet finds herself as public enemy #1. How’s she going to get out of this hole she’s dug herself?

7. Jake the Fake by Craig Robinson and Adam Mansbach; illustrated by Keith Knight

Reading Age: 8–12 years

Jake is a prankster, accustomed to always having the last laugh. Now he’s attending the prestigious Music and Art Academy, but thanks to his lying skills more than his talent in arts or music. What’s he going to do when it’s time to perform?

8. Have a Hot Time, Hades! by Kate McMullan; illustrated by Denis Zilber

Reading Age: 9–13 years

According to Hades, Zeus is a total myth-o-maniac, and everything you knew about Greek mythology is wrong. Now Hades is here to set things straight on how exactly he became the god of the Underworld. Who are you going to believe?

9. Timmy Failure by Stephan Pastis

Reading Age: 8–12 years

Timmy is a budding detective who’s CEO of the self-proclaimed “best detective agency in town.” It’s a tough career, especially when his partner’s an imaginary polar bear and his skills are far less than what he thinks them to be.

10. Alvin Ho by Lenore Look; illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Reading Age: 6–9 years

Alvin is afraid of everything, especially school. He’s shy, anxious, and doesn’t talk in public. But at home, he’s the loudest superhero you’ll ever find: Firecracker Man! But can he take that bravery and finally face his fear of the outside world?

11. The Misadventures Of Max Crumbly by Rachel Renée Russell

Reading Age: 9–13 years

Max is finally attending school after years of homeschooling with grandma. But school is scary, especially when resident bully Doug develops a hobby of stuffing Max into lockers. This isn’t an ideal start to his superhero escapades, but he knows he’ll get there soon—if only to impress a girl.

12. Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Reading Age: 9–12 years

Astrid has always done everything with her best friend Nicole. But when Astrid signs up for roller derby this summer, Nicole signs up for dance camp instead! Now Astrid needs to learn how to be on her own for the first time.

13. Justin Case by Rachel Vail; illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Reading Age: 7–9 years

It’s the start of the school year and everything’s already gone wrong for Justin. He’s lost his favorite stuffed animal, been placed in a separate class from his best friend, and didn’t get the teacher he wanted. Worse, his sister’s starting kindergarten at his school. How’s he going to survive all of these problems?

14. Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce

Reading Age: 8–12 years

Nate knows he’s meant for bigger things than school. After all, a fortune cookie told him so. As such, he’d prefer drawing cartoons to listening to his teachers. But despite efforts to keep to himself, trouble seems to find Nate in any situation. He keeps his cool, though—being awesome doesn’t mean he won’t have problems!

15. Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong by Prudence Shen; illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks

Reading Age: 12–18 years

Charlie’s the captain of the basketball team. Nate’s the president of the robotics club. You wouldn’t expect them to be best friends, but they make it work. But then here come the cheerleaders, who force Charlie to go against his friend. Now the jocks and nerds are prepping for all-out war through a robot competition.

Should Adults Read Comic Books?

A recommended reading age has never stopped me from reading a book that’s marketed for someone younger or older than me.

I first read Captain Underpants when I was already 17. That was swiftly followed by A Bear Called Paddington and the Magic Tree House series. Both came highly recommended by my nephew, after all, and I enjoyed all of them!

I read all three of these while I was binge-reading Robert Jordan’s A Wheel of Time and Fred Saberhagen’s Book of Swords series. What I’ve learned then is that as long as you’re enjoying what you read, there’s no shame in reading a book marketed for a different demographic than what you belong to.

The reality is that anything you enjoy reading will always be a great read for you and there’s no dictating what you can and can’t enjoy reading. Don’t worry about being called childish or being told to grow up. There’s no rule about giving up your childhood once you turn into an adult.

Have you read any books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid? Share it in the comments below!

 

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• 15 Fun and Meaningful Graphic Novels for Kids

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