Jeff Kinney is an American author, illustrator, and game designer best known for creating the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. On Thornbook you’ll find summaries of his biggest books, where middle-school chaos, awkward moments, and laugh-out-loud choices turn everyday life into comedy.

Quick Facts

• • Nationality: American

• • Known for: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (author/illustrator)

• • Also created: Poptropica (kid-focused online game/world)

• • Major themes: school life, friendship, family, embarrassment, growing up, humor

What Kinney Writes About

• • Human Nature: insecurity, pride, jealousy, and the need to fit in

• • Identity: figuring out who you are when you’re still trying on personalities

• • Society & Class: popularity rules, social survival, and “who’s in”

• • Love & Relationships: friendships, rivalries, and family dynamics under stress

• • Comedy: small disasters that feel world-ending (especially in middle school)

Most Famous Books

• • Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Greg Heffley tries to survive school, popularity, and his own bad ideas.

• • Rodrick Rules – sibling rivalry goes nuclear when Greg’s older brother gets leverage.

• • The Last Straw – family pressure rises as Greg tries to prove he’s not a “wimp.”

• • The Long Haul – a road trip turns into a comedy of disasters.

Where to Start

• • Best first read: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Book 1)

• • Then read: continue the series in order—each book builds on Greg’s friendships, feuds, and ongoing “plans.”

Why Read Jeff Kinney?

Kinney’s books are fast, funny, and painfully relatable—especially for anyone who remembers how intense small problems felt in middle school. His mix of cartoons and diary-style storytelling makes the humor land quickly, while still capturing real feelings about friendship, confidence, and growing up.

If You Like Kinney, Try

• • Dav Pilkey

• • Lincoln Peirce

• • Raina Telgemeier

• • Jim Benton

• • Gordon Korman