DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: NO BRAINER

This latest installment in the beloved series tackles the relatable chaos of middle school with Greg Heffley's signature blend of anxiety and humor as his underfunded school faces closure. Kinney masterfully captures the specific dread of institutional decay, from leaky ceilings to a curriculum seemingly designed by a spreadsheet, making the educational crisis feel both absurd and deeply personal to any kid who has ever complained about their school.

What sets this volume apart is its sharp focus on collective action, as Greg and his classmates are forced to organize, a process that is as hilarious as it is halting. The book's enduring appeal lies in how it validates the very real social and academic pressures of this age group while never taking itself too seriously. Young readers navigating their own complex school social hierarchies will find both comfort and comedy in seeing their world reflected back with such witty accuracy.