Double Down

This middle grade novel tackles the universal struggle between screen time and creative pursuits with Kinney's signature humor. When Greg's mother bans video games to encourage artistic exploration, our hero devises a cinematic scheme involving gummy worms and Halloween hijinks. The diary-style format blends text with cartoon illustrations that perfectly capture Greg's melodramatic perspective on parental expectations. Young readers will immediately recognize the tension between digital entertainment and well-meaning grown-ups pushing alternative activities.

What makes this story particularly engaging is how it validates children's frustrations while gently showing the value of creative experimentation. Greg's disastrous filmmaking attempts provide genuine laugh-out-loud moments while demonstrating that artistic endeavors require more than just ambition. The Halloween subplot adds spooky fun and additional comedic opportunities. Kinney masterfully balances relatable family dynamics with over-the-top humor that keeps pages turning, making this an excellent choice for reluctant readers who appreciate visual storytelling and exaggerated childhood dilemmas.