The Long Haul (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #9)

This ninth installment in the beloved illustrated series chronicles the Heffley family's disastrous road trip, delivering the signature blend of middle-grade humor and relatable family chaos that fans adore. Greg Heffley's journal entries and simple cartoons capture the escalating calamities, from fender benders to runaway farm animals, with perfect comedic timing. The episodic structure makes it ideal for reluctant readers, offering laugh-out-loud moments in easily digestible chunks that mirror the unpredictable stops on a long car journey.

Kinney excels at turning everyday family frustrations into high-stakes comedy, and the road trip premise provides a fresh backdrop for Greg's signature grumbling and schemes. Children who enjoy realistic fiction with a heavy dose of slapstick will find themselves cringing and giggling in equal measure as the vacation spirals further out of control. The book’s enduring appeal lies in how it validates the minor humiliations and small triumphs of growing up, leaving young readers thoroughly entertained by someone else’s misfortune.