Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth

Greg just does not cease to make me laugh out loud!

If you've read my blog before, you know I just can't get enough of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. The Ugly Truth is no different... hilarious, witty, relate-able and just pure genius. I apologize to any of you who are not a fan of Greg and his antics, for me, it just doesn't get old... Don't worry though, I promise to give it a rest and post about something very different next time, ha! But back to The Ugly Truth... after a falling out with Rowley, Greg is in search of a new best friend at the beginning of this story. Greg is still wanting desperately to grow up and dreams of his fame and fortune but throughout the story Greg finds reasons why growing up may not be the best thing in the world. Between dealing with boy-girl parties, having to take responsibility for himself while his mom goes back to school and Rowley getting his first zit before Greg, there are certainly some changes taking place in Greg's life. Will Greg figure out what growing up is all about and will he find a new best friend or end up back where he always does, next to Rowley? Find out in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth.

Reading Level: Fountus and Pinnell: S; Lexile: 1000L; DRA: 40; Interest level: Ages 9 and up

Teachers: Here are some resources to help you teach this book...

Web Resources:

• Resource Pack: This "resource pack" has tons of ideas that would be fun to use in a classroom or at an after school "Wimpy Kid Night"
• Event Guide: Play some games with your class like Greg does at his "lock in" or host a Wimpy Kid Night Lock In at school and use these games! (You do not need to register to view this page)
•  Wimpy Kid Wiki: Check out this great Wiki site, learn about the characters, movie, books and more in a fun, kid friendly site.

Vocabulary:As always, the language is pretty easy to understand, but here are a few words I picked out... discriminate, suspicious, responsibility, culprit, paranoid, reliable, domestic, immaculate, posterior

Activites:
Before Reading: Small Group Discussion: In this story, Greg learns some of the "ugly truths" about growing up. In your group, discuss what some of the "ugly truths" you've learned in the past few years.

During Reading: Journal: Greg and his family are asked to take some more responsibilities when his mom goes back to school. What are some responsibilities you have at your house? What are some responsibilities your other family members have?
Discussion: Is it fair for kids to have certain responsibilities at home?

After Reading: Create a cartoon or "Graphic Novel" to depict your week.

Kinney, J. (2009). Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Last Straw. London: Puffin. 

Happy Reading (& Running) =)