Reluctant Reader Pick: Old School (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, boook 10)

Old School (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, book 10)
by Jeff Kinney
Amulet
2015
217 pages
ISBN: 9781419717017

Fans of the Wimpy Kid series will not be disappointed. Greg Heffley is back and as endearing as he's ever been. More so, in fact. Readers will almost feel sorry for Greg as he realizes his home and life are being invaded by his grandfather--who now lives with the Heffleys full time. Grandpa turns out to be quite the party animal--hosting private parties when the Heffleys are away from home and trolling online dating sites. He even takes the car and nearly wrecks it. Greg's mom starts a petition for everyone in town to go "old school" and ban their electronic devices.

After Greg and Grandpa's harrowing, near death experience, Greg realized his dad will punish him forever so he does what any young boy in this situation would do. He runs! Greg announces he will go on the class trip to Hardscrabble Farms after all. At least if he's far away, his dad can't punish him. Because Greg registered so late, he is in the last cabin--with the oddballs and leftovers, including Rowley.

Camp is just what you'd expect:mosquitoes, hot cabins, terrible plumbing, team building exercises that go awry, bad food, bugs, unsanitary, unwashed bodies, poison ivy, campfire stories, and a bogey man named Silas Scratch (every camp has a bogey man, by the way....).  Camp sure sounds like fun, doesn't it? Greg makes a discovery that's a real game changer, and he and his dad bond over a shared secret.

A round the world tour for Diary of a Wimpy Kid will be traveling to a country near you soon. One thing the world has in common: its kids. And kids worldwide love the Wimpy Kid, Greg Heffley. "What I've learned is that childhood itself is a universal condition that transcends culture and language," says author Jeff Kinney. He's excited to visit fans from all over and says, "I'm sure my life will be enriched beyond measure."

Highly, highly recommended for everyone worldwide. Fans have already purchased their copies, but those of you who haven't tried Wimpy Kid, what on earth is your excuse? Join in on the fun. Get to your book store or get to your library fast.

Old School is on Scholastic Book Fairs as a paperback. At my school, we sold out and re-ordered more and sold all of those!

Recommended grade 4-up.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Dorky Pick: Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Perfect Pet Sitter

Dorky Pick: Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Perfect Pet Sitter
by Rachel Renee Russell
Illustrations by Erin Russell
Aladdin
2015
291 pages
ISBN: 9781481457040

Bubblegum pink with puppy paw prints, the cover art invites girls (and boys) of all ages to sneak a peek! Nikki is surrounded by cute puppies in the yellow square on the front cover. The back cover hints of espionage. Operation Paws is Nikki's mission to hide seven dogs (6 puppies) from everyone, including her worst nightmare: MacKenzie!

Nikki's life is perfect, it seems. Her worst nightmare and constant enemy MacKenzie Hollister has transferred to an even posher private school. Squeeeee, Nikki is so happy! She's got two BFFs and a handsome boyfriend named Brandon. They almost share a second kiss and Nikki says, "It made me feel very giggly and a little queasy. Like I wanted to...vomit...rainbow-colored...cupcake sprinkles!" Brandon and Nikki discover a mother dog and her six puppies on the steps of the Fuzzy Friends, the animal shelter where they volunteer. Brandon's worried because the shelter is already at capacity. They've got to find a place for the dogs. Nikki volunteers to take the dogs for one night (before asking permission from her parents), Brandon agrees to a night, and the kids think they've found a short term answer.

Younger sister Brianna loves the dogs and promises to keep the pooches secret. Brianna seems to be keeping her word. Nikki's parents don't find the dogs. The next day, with her mother taking the day off, Nikki has to come up with a clever plan to smuggle the dogs out of the house. She gets them past both of parents and into her  school. Chloe and Zoey help Nikki place the dogs in the janitor's closet.  A series of mishaps have the girls scrambling. New student (and new main character of Russell's next series) Max Crumbly saves the day.

 All is well in the end (as it always is in DD); Nikki and Brianna get a surprise gift from their parents. The dogs all find good homes. Nikki gets a surprise letter from her principal with some jarring news.

A short section of Tips on How to Dork Your Diary is included. The Misadventures of Max Crumbly begins next spring.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)