15 Books Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid That Kids Will Love

If you or your child can’t get enough of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and its laugh-out-loud middle-school adventures, you’re in for a treat! Greg Heffley’s hilarious misadventures have sparked a love of reading for countless kids, and the unique blend of diary-style storytelling, relatable humor, and fun illustrations is hard to beat. Luckily, there are plenty of similar books that capture the same charm, humor, and creativity. From mischievous pranksters to awkward middle schoolers, this list offers something for every young reader who loves a good laugh.

1. Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce

Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid will feel right at home with Big Nate. Nate Wright is a cheeky sixth-grader who seems to attract trouble wherever he goes. Whether he’s trying to beat his classmates at chess or avoid detention for the millionth time, Nate’s wild adventures are brought to life with comic strips that perfectly capture his mischief. As a bonus, Big Nate is also a long-running series, so there’s plenty to dive into!

2. Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell

If you’re looking for a girl’s perspective on the diary-style format, Dork Diaries is the perfect choice. Nikki Maxwell writes all about her middle school dramas, from friendship challenges to dealing with her school’s queen bee, MacKenzie. The fun doodles, heartfelt moments, and relatable situations make this series a standout for kids who enjoy Greg Heffley’s escapades.

3. My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian

Derek Fallon is an adventurous kid who would rather do just about anything than read. When he uncovers a family secret, his summer takes an unexpected turn, leading to mischief, mystery, and plenty of humor. With clever illustrations and a fast-paced story, this book appeals to reluctant readers and avid Wimpy Kid fans alike.

4. Amelia’s Notebook by Marissa Moss

Amelia’s Notebook feels like flipping through the pages of a real middle-schooler’s journal. Amelia documents her life with colorful illustrations, quirky humor, and snarky observations about her family and friends. Readers who love the diary-style format will appreciate Amelia’s relatable and funny take on growing up.

5. The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John

What happens when two pranksters team up? Chaos—and a whole lot of laughs. The Terrible Two follows Miles and Niles, two middle-school pranksters, as they join forces to pull off their most elaborate stunts yet. The clever pranks and hilarious situations make this book an instant hit with fans of Greg Heffley’s antics.

6. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts

Rafe Khatchadorian is on a mission to break every rule in his school’s handbook—but things don’t always go as planned. With plenty of laughs, exaggerated imagination sequences, and relatable middle-school moments, this series is a natural pick for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

7. Max Crumbly: Locker Hero by Rachel Renée Russell

From the author of Dork Diaries comes Max Crumbly, a lovable underdog who’s determined to survive middle school—and maybe even become a hero. With diary-style narration and hilarious drawings, Max’s awkward and endearing adventures are perfect for readers who enjoy Greg Heffley’s funny missteps.

8. Stick Dog by Tom Watson

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, Stick Dog delivers laughs through the eyes of a mischievous cartoon dog. Stick Dog and his gang of canine friends team up to embark on wacky adventures, usually involving food. The humor and doodle-like illustrations will feel familiar to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

9. Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald

Charlie Joe Jackson hates reading—and he’ll do anything to avoid it, even bribing his friends to write his book reports. But as his schemes unravel, the results are hilariously disastrous. This book is perfect for reluctant readers who see a bit of themselves in Greg Heffley’s “do it the easy way” mindset.

10. Timmy Failure by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure runs a detective agency—and he’s convinced he’s the best private investigator in town, despite plenty of evidence to the contrary. With his polar bear partner and over-the-top confidence, Timmy’s absurd adventures are full of quirky humor and ridiculous situations that will delight fans of Wimpy Kid.

11. Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Captain Underpants is a classic for a reason. George and Harold’s comic-book creations come to life as they take on villains in their tighty-whities. With outrageous humor and comic-strip illustrations, this series is a fantastic pick for kids who love silly, action-packed stories.

12. The Misadventures of Max Crumbly by Rachel Renée Russell

Max’s adventures in Locker Hero continue as he faces off against bullies, navigates middle-school drama, and imagines himself as the hero of his own story. The lighthearted humor and doodle-filled pages will make readers feel like they’ve found a new best friend in Max.

13. Franny K. Stein: Mad Scientist by Jim Benton

Franny is a mad scientist who uses her over-the-top experiments to tackle everyday problems—sometimes with chaotic results. This series adds a unique twist to the humor genre, combining science with laugh-out-loud situations.

14. The Tapper Twins Go to War (With Each Other) by Geoff Rodkey

Sibling rivalry goes to hilarious extremes in The Tapper Twins Go to War. Claudia and Reese document their escalating feud through texts, photos, and social media posts, making the storytelling fresh and unique. Readers who enjoy diary-style humor will love the creative format and funny insights.

15. Just Jaime by Terri Libenson

Part of the Emmie & Friends series, Just Jaime dives into the complexities of middle-school friendships. Jaime and Maya’s story is filled with humor, emotion, and relatable moments that will resonate with Wimpy Kid fans who want a mix of laughs and heart.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for more diary-style laughs, quirky characters, or wild middle-school adventures, these books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid have you covered. From prank wars to awkward mishaps, they’re sure to keep kids entertained while sparking a love of reading. Which one will you pick up first? Let us know in the comments!