9 Books for Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries

If the last available book in your middle grader’s favorite series is near, do not fear. For lovers of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries, consider these options for their next read. With everything from diary-style entries to a lot of underwear talk, from summer job madness to school capers, your reader will be excited to read these books similar in scope and style.

The Principal’s Underwear is Missing, by Holly Kowitt
Sixth-grader Becca accidentally bonks eighth-grader Sloan “Selfie” with a volleyball. Not exactly the best impression for unknown Becca to make on her older, popular classmate. She offers to help Selfie with a favor as an apology and in the process, the principal’s underwear accidentally goes missing via a shopping bag. Even though the girls are completely dissimilar, they work together through their uproarious adventures to become unlikely friends.

Dead End in Norvelt, by Jack Gantos
Jack Gantos is expecting a summer full of adventure, but then he’s grounded by his feuding parents. Even worse, he’s loaned out to his old neighbor to help type up obituaries for the people who founded his utopia-style town. Set in the 1960’s and with historical fiction woven into the story line, there are twists and turns along the way. Some would classify it as a middle school murder mystery. Prepare to be surprised.

How to Eat Fried Worms, by Thomas Rockwell
A classic 1973 book that is equally revolting and amusing, parents and middle grade readers will enjoy this timeless story. Billy can’t resist a bet to eat 15 fried worms for $50. After all, he has taken on many zany dares from friends. With condiments to help mask the taste of the squirmy creatures and friends trying to force Billy to blunder, it is a drawn-out effort to down the worms. The question remains, did Billy bite off more than he can chew?

The 13-Story Treehouse (Treehouse Books Series #1), by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton
Andy and Terry live in a truly magnificent treehouse that any kid would dream of, and are hard at work on writing a novel. The only problem is they have distractions. A lot of distractions, in the form of a see-through swimming pool, bowling alley, man-eating sharks, marshmallow guns, mermaids, unlimited lemonade, and a room full of pillows. Throw in a gorilla, giant banana, cat turned canary, and stinky bubblegum and it is no wonder these two can’t meet their deadline. If only we had the same excuse with our own work!

Frindle, by Andrew Clements and Brian Selznick
Nick Allen is no stranger to making life more interesting. In third grade, he transformed a classroom into the tropics and in fourth grade he taught his classmates to mimic blackbirds. What does he have in store for fifth grade? It involves a pen and a new word, and results in a town-wide frenzy. Nick’s innocent classroom prank lands him on national television shows, with many readers wondering whether he will emerge as a hero or a menace.

A Tail of Two Kitties (Stick Cat Series #1), by Tom Watson
With simple stick figure drawings and cliff-hanger chapters, animal lovers will be a fan of this series. Stick Cat does more than hunt down animals and take long naps. With a whole city to explore, there are adventures around every corner for this feline and his friend, Edith. When a man becomes trapped in a building across the alley, Stick Figure must find his way there to attempt a rescue. This one will be catnip for reluctant readers.

The Fourth Stall, by Chris Rylander
The fourth stall in the boy’s bathroom has a booming business with entrepreneur Mac and his business manager, Vince at the helm (or throne, in this case). They can get you anything you want. Need a doctor’s note, or answers to a test? No problem. But when the boys run into issues of their own, they realize there is no one to work as their fixer to solve their problem. A tale of organized crime in the middle school set, there is plenty of mystery and lots of dangerous exploits throughout this three book series.

Roller Girl, by Victoria Jamieson
Astrid and Nicole have been inseparable for twelve years, but this summer they embark on very different adventures. Nicole is off to dance camp, while Astrid opts for a roller derby camp. Astrid struggles to keep up with the older girls and is a bit anxious about her first roller derby bout. She’s also nervous about losing an old friend, and then there is middle school starting soon. Readers will rejoice as Astrid perseveres, puts on her skates, and keeps rolling.

Letters to Leo, by Amy Hest
Fourth grader Annie finally gets a dog, Leo, after her mother passes away. At last she has someone to whisper her daily stories to, which she keeps written in a notebook stashed under her bed. Her letters to Leo recount school drama, friendships, a poem about her mother, and updates on her serious, older dad. With charming illustrations and an upbeat approach to life after losing a loved one, Annie embodies what it means to be a good friend and great daughter. She also finds a perfect (furry) friend in Leo.