Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books in Order: The Complete Reading Guide

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney is one of the most popular book series for kids and middle school readers. Known for its humor, relatable characters, and comic-style illustrations, the series has helped millions of children develop a love for reading.

If you're wondering what order to read the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, this guide will walk you through the full series in the correct reading order.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books in Order (Publication Order)

The best way to read the series is in publication order:

  1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007)

  2. Rodrick Rules (2008)

  3. The Last Straw (2009)

  4. Dog Days (2009)

  5. The Ugly Truth (2010)

  6. Cabin Fever (2011)

  7. The Third Wheel (2012)

  8. Hard Luck (2013)

  9. The Long Haul (2014)

  10. Old School (2015)

  11. Double Down (2016)

  12. The Getaway (2017)

  13. The Meltdown (2018)

  14. Wrecking Ball (2019)

  15. The Deep End (2020)

  16. Big Shot (2021)

  17. Diper Överlöde (2022)

  18. No Brainer (2023)

Are There Spin-Off Books?

Yes — there are also spin-off books focused on Greg’s best friend:

Rowley Jefferson Books

  • Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid

  • Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure

  • Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories

These books are optional but fun additions to the series.

What Is the First Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book?

The first book in the series is:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

This book introduces Greg Heffley and his humorous take on middle school life, friendships, and family.

Best Way to Read Diary of a Wimpy Kid

👉 Start with Book 1 and read in order

Each book builds on the previous one, with ongoing jokes, character development, and storylines.

Why Diary of a Wimpy Kid Is So Popular

The series is widely loved because it:

  • Uses humor that kids relate to

  • Includes illustrations that make reading easier

  • Focuses on everyday life and school experiences

This makes it especially effective for reluctant readers.

Is Diary of a Wimpy Kid Good for Kids?

Yes — it is ideal for:

  • Elementary and middle school readers

  • Kids who don’t usually enjoy reading

  • Homeschool reading lists

The books are engaging, easy to read, and highly entertaining.

Related Book Series to Explore

If you enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid, you may also enjoy:

  • The Boxcar Children

  • Magic Tree House

  • Captain Underpants

  • Big Nate

These series are great for building reading confidence and enjoyment.

Building a Home Library

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is a great addition to any home library, especially for encouraging kids to read regularly.

Be sure to check out tens of thousands of used books on our website!

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