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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck

By Jeff Kinney

Book 8 of 21 in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

When Greg leaves his luck to the dice, will his losing streak finally change?

humorous relatable engaging

Pageticker community rating

Average score: 4.72

From 109 readers

What do our readers think of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy the funny cartoons, silly situations and friendship story, and many find Greg’s troubles entertaining and relatable. Some children feel that the rude humour becomes repetitive and that the book does not include many female characters.

What does the Pageticker team say about Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck?

Another entertaining, highly accessible story about friendship, jealousy and the awkwardness of feeling left out. Jeff Kinney’s blend of cartoons and quick jokes - and Greg’s unreliable view of events - makes his books especially appealing to reluctant readers; friendship troubles give it some emotional weight. Greg can be selfish and makes questionable choices, and the humour includes mild rude jokes.

Genres

Humour Friendship/Family Graphic Novels

What is Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck about?

Greg Heffley is on a losing streak. His best friend, Rowley Jefferson, has ditched him, and making new friends in middle school is proving tough. To change his luck, Greg decides to leave his decisions to chance. Will a roll of the dice turn things around, or is Greg's life destined to be just another hard-luck story?

About the author

Jeff Kinney is a popular author and cartoonist from America. He is best known for creating the funny and exciting 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series, which follows the adventures of Greg Heffley. Jeff enjoys making stories that make children laugh and inspire them to enjoy reading every day.

Discussion ideas around Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck

Friendship and change: How does Rowley’s new relationship change Greg’s feelings about their friendship, and what might Greg learn about being a good friend?

Luck or choice?: Greg lets chance guide some of his decisions. When is it helpful to take a chance, and when is it better to think carefully for yourself?

Feeling left out: What can make someone feel left out at school, and which actions might help them find a genuine friendship?

Greg’s point of view: How does Greg’s way of telling the story affect how we judge his actions and the people around him?

Family support: Greg’s family sometimes annoys him but also helps him. What makes family relationships complicated in the book?

Pages

232 pages

Reading age

Junior (8-13)

This edition

2015

First published

2013

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