Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer (Book 18)

This latest installment in the phenomenally popular series continues the hilarious, illustrated misadventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates the treacherous social landscape of middle school. When Greg's chronically underfunded school is threatened with closure, he and his classmates must confront a future of being redistributed to rival institutions, a prospect that fills him with dread. Kinney's signature blend of simple line drawings and Greg's self-serving, witty narration perfectly captures the specific anxieties and absurdities of adolescent life, from academic pressures to shifting friend dynamics. The school closure plot provides a fresh and relatable backdrop for Greg's signature brand of cowardice and scheming.

Longtime fans will be delighted to find the familiar cast of characters, from the hapless Rowley to Greg's ever-exasperating older brother, Roderick, all contributing to the chaos. The book's greatest strength remains its ability to make readers laugh out loud while offering a comforting reflection of their own school-aged worries and social faux pas. Reluctant readers, in particular, will be drawn in by the accessible, diary-style format and the high ratio of illustrations to text. This is another surefire hit that delivers exactly what the series' audience craves: a funny, fast-paced, and deeply relatable story about surviving the daily dramas of growing up.