Book Series Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Hudi’s being told that he needs to lose weight by his doctors, and since his parents are worried because of the medical issues he had when he was much younger, his parents encourage him to do sports. Which is the last thing Hudi wants to do. He’s the only Mexican and Jewish kid in his neighborhood, and he doesn’t always fit in. His true love is comedy, and when he meets his imaginary friend Chunky, he’s suddenly got a cheerleader, encouraging him in every way. This is a fun, touching tale of family, friendship, and being true to yourself. If you like this graphic novel, there’s also the follow-up, Chunky Goes to Camp.

This book series is for kids a little younger than the average Wimpy Kid reader (about 5-8), but it’s super cute. In this first book, Freddie comes home from school one day to a package addressed to him that contains magical sneakers that give him super speed — Zapato Power! Will he become the next superhero? This is a great book for reluctant readers because of the format; it’s very similar to Wimpy Kid, with short chapters and lots of drawings that will keep them interested.

This is one of my favorite middle grade series, and it’s just adorable. Grace talks right to the reader, and the text is filled with drawings and notes of hers. In this first book, she shares her love of cats, just as her neighbor’s cat goes missing. She tries to cheer her neighbor up, but things don’t go exactly to plan — and she might get help from the person she least expects.

In this amply illustrated early chapter book, we’re introduced to Violet and Pablo, best friends who love science. With their new classmate Deepak, they discover a portal that leads them to a magical place called the Maker Maze, a lab full of cool things and adventures. When they meet a wacky scientist who sends them on adventures, they learn all about the science concepts they’re working on in school. It’s like a new Magic School Bus series, but all its own, with quirky friendships, life lessons, and plenty of hijinks.

This book might be more suited for older fans of the Wimpy Kid books, since while there are drawings, there aren’t as many in this series, and it doesn’t have handwritten font. That being said, Alvin is a charming character who you’ll want to spend lots of time with. Alvin is afraid of everything, even school. He’s so afraid that he doesn’t talk in school. At all. Will he be able to deal with his fears, with the help of his friends and family?

This immersive series is filled with Zoey’s handwritten science journal, lots of illustrations, and plenty of fun. Zoey talks right to the reader, drawing them in, just like Wimpy Kid. When Zoey finds a glowing picture, she discovers that injured magical animals come to her barn for help. She uses science to help them, and the series is full of mystery, the scientific method, and research. It’s a fun, heartwarming series about family, connections, and learning, and Zoey’s voice is one you’ll want to spend lots of time with.

Just like Wimpy Kid, these hardcover books have hand-drawn illustrations, handwriting, and text — and plenty of good times and silly moments with friends, while also navigating life. Rosie loves engineering, and her Aunt Rose and her Raucous Riveter friends need help inventing something. But when idea after idea fails, she begins to feel hopeless. Can her friends — the fellow Questioneers Iggy Peck and Ada Twist — help?

Filled with plenty of illustrations, this entertaining first book in the series is about friends Danny Cohen and Calvin Waffle. They’re different in almost every way, but have paired up for the jelly bean experiment. While overall a fun, light book, the themes of friendship among differences are rendered in a sensitive way, and there are plenty of learning opportunities about the scientific method and history scattered throughout the story. The voice — somewhat irreverent, but funny and still age-appropriate — reminds me of Wimpy Kid, and is a joy to read.