15 Books Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Miles is devastated to be moving from his town to another one called Yawnee Valley. He loved his town, had good friends, and, most importantly, was well-known as the best prankster around. When he arrives in Yawnee Valley, he immediately discovers that there’s already a superb prankster there — with a secret identity, no less. When Miles gets out-pranked by the Yawnee Valley prankster, it starts a prank war between both kids until they decide to join forces. The Terrible Two is a riotous, animated middle grade book about pranks, unlikely friendships, and cows. Ages 7+

Sam Wu is tired of getting teased for being a “scaredy-cat.” It gets even worse after a not-to-be-discussed incident during a school field trip. Now he’s determined to prove his bravery — starting by unveiling the ghost in his house walls. This book reminded me a lot of Alvin Ho, but is funnier and with a space-loving protagonist. There is “ghost hunting” but no actual ghost in this one! Ages 7+

Just like the Wimpy Kid books, Nate is fumbling his way through middle school, with plenty of mistakes and humor. Thankfully, he believes he’s sure to surpass everyone, thanks to a fortune cookie prediction. But surpass everyone in what way? Find out as Nate tries to survive a particularly rocky school day with a hysterical reveal at the end. Ages 7+

Eliot is a middle schooler with a brilliant superhero comic idea but insufficient drawing skills to bring his ideas to life. Enter Pam, a fellow classmate who is a talented artist. The two begin collaborating on the comic but run into common partnership woes that threaten to destroy their collaboration. I loved this story. At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but the whole story is told to readers from Eliot’s perspective as he draws on notepads and then we see his and Pam’s conversations via note scraps passed in class, and we also see their comic series and read the fan mail they receive. It feels immersive, funny, and interactive, and like a more grown-up/sophisticated option for Wimpy Kid fans. Ages 8+

If you have a kid who loves Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries, here’s the perfect book for them! This one is already out in the UK but is officially coming to the US this summer. It’s a diary style book about a girl who’s life is turned upside down when her best friend moves to Australia. It’s very tongue in cheek and all about growing up — including family, puberty, bras, and periods. I know I would’ve loved this as a tween. Ages 9+

Abbie Wu is convinced that nothing good happens in the middle — and she has reason to be sure. She is a middle child after all. Too bad she has to go into middle school. Frazzled, flustered, and convinced of approaching doom, can Abbie find a way to succeed at middle school? This funny, bountifully illustrated graphic novel is perfect for Telgemeier fans who also love the Wimpy Kid books. Ages 8+

In this hilarious graphic memoir, Yehudi (Hudi) conjures an imaginary friend/mascot, Chunky, to support him through a challenging time in his life. Hudi is a funny kid with a serious interest in comedy. He is also chubby with zero athletic prowess, in a family of athletic people. His mother thinks sports will also help Hudi regulate his weight. And so Hudi begins to try sport after sport — with hilarious results, and Chunky cheering him all the way. This book is highly imaginative and features a likable and relatable protagonist coming of age who is learning to accept himself and pursue his passions, whether or not other people understand. Ages 8+

This hilarious spy story of a boy recruited by the Queen of England to retrieve England’s crown jewels is ridiculous in the best way. The illustrations and humor in this one make it perfect for young readers who love funny chapter books. Ages 7+

In this funny illustrated middle grade series, Tom, our narrator, shares rib-tickling stories about a dog, featuring poorly drawn stick dogs — hence the title. It’s about as wacky and belly-laughter inducing as the Wimpy Kid books. Ages 7+

This book is a good step up from the Wimpy Kid books and is all about a kid investigating whether or not a puppet on the finger of one of his classmates actually has magical powers. If your kids love funny stories set at school about friendship, this is a good option. Ages 9+

Omar is a young Muslim boy with a huge imagination. He and his family (his mom, dad, and two siblings) are adjusting to a new move (new house, new school) and approaching the month of Ramadan. Unfortunately, the adjustment process is NOT smooth. First, there’s a neighbor who doesn’t seem to like Omar’s family and a bully at school who keeps making fun of him. Things come a head when Omar and Daniel, the bully get lost together during a school trip. Can Omar escape all this trouble he keeps attracting? Accidental Trouble Magnet (Planet Omar #1) is a charming chapter book about the life of a Muslim imaginative boy during Ramadan, adjusting to a new school, befriending a bully, and navigating family/sibling relationships. Ages 8+

This series is so quirky and humorous and my heart always goes out to Alvin on his quest to make new friends and talk at school despite being nervous and afraid of everything. Kids who are shy or struggle with social situations will find a sure friend in Alvin. Ages 7+

This is one of my favorites on this list! It’s told from the perspectives of two best friends, Alex and Charli, whose 5th grade year gets off to a bad start, thanks to gossip, secrets, and misunderstandings. It’s so relatable and tween friendly — and also the first in a series! I can see this appealing to kids who love Wimpy Kid and books about friend drama. Ages 8+

Greg, meet Tom, your British counterpart! But seriously, Tom Gates is what the Wimpy Kid books are for UK readers and it’s now also available for US folks. It’s all about Tom who gets through life and school by writing stories, drawing, telling jokes, and frustrating his teachers and sister in one fell swoop. Ages 8+

In this surprisingly heartwarming (and hilarious) story, Ben Yokoyama finds a fortune in his cookie that encourages him to live as if it’s his last year. Being the literal kid he is, Ben actually begins to live every minute like it’s his last, with humorous and heartfelt results. Ages 8+