Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (Book #2)- Novel #4

The Book
Kinney, J. (2008). Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.  New York, NY: Amulet Books.

Summary
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is the second book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Greg Heffley is back for another round of funny journal entries that are accompanied by his trademark illustrations. He first starts off talking about his summer at swim camp and how he would do anything to avoid being there. He even thought of a "fool-proof" plan which resulted in him being wrapped up in toilet paper. During his time at swim camp his brother Rodrick is supposed to pick him up in his van. The only problem with this is his van is full of his band equipment and he makes Greg sit in the back with it. Greg soon discovers that this is a bumpy and painful ride home so he starts walking instead. When the summer is over Greg is back in school, and had at first forgotten that he still had the "Cheese Touch" from the previous year. He was beginning to think he would be stuck with it for the whole year but then he finds a new unsuspecting student to pass it on to. In another journal entry Greg tells of a picture that his little brother Manny drew. It was of two big heads screaming at each other and another little head crying. Greg's parents thinks it is of them but Greg knows that it's really of him and Rodrick. Rodrick and Greg have a complicated relationship and are always fighting. Throughout this novel Greg tells of many incidents involving Rodrick and how he  is being blackmailed by him. You see unfortunately Greg can never tell on Rodrick as Rodrick knows an extremely humiliating secret about him and that is why Rodrick "rules". In the end Greg's secret ends up coming out, and he is suprised by the result. People aren't making fun of him, they're congratulating him! Not only that, but now Rodrick has something to be embarrassed about as he is now known as the drummer from the "Dancing Mom" video. These are only a few of the entries from this book, it includes so many more involving Rowley, Greg's parents, Rodrick and the many practical jokes Greg plays on both his friends and family.

Response
I chose to read the sequel to Diary of a Wimpy Kid as I had already seen the movie and I wanted to see what happened next in the life of Greg Heffley. I really enjoyed the movie and I heard that this book might be made into a movie soon. I  would like to see the movie adaptation of this book as for some reason this is one of those times when I preferred the movie over the book. I can honestly say this book is not one of my favourite's but I can see how it is so popular amongst young readers. It is quite funny and involves incidents that I'm sure many of them can relate to. Kids would really be able to identify with Greg and his many problems and experiences. I often found myself thinking of stuff I did back when I was Greg's age and the fights I had with my friends and family. I really like how relatable this book is and the illustrations are perfect as they add a real personal feel to the book. The pictures really help you fully understand what he is saying and let you get a deeper look and see what he is thinking. I like the format and design of this book as it really looks like a diary once you open it up.  The pages are lined and the entries look like they were written by a middle school student (a middle school student with very neat writing that is). I also enjoy how the format is quite different than a regular novel and how it is a pretty easy read. Overall this book is great for young readers as it is realistic, and even has a few life lessons in it. You don't have to read the first book of this series to understand it but I would recommend it as the reader's would be able to better understand Greg and his relationships with his friends and family. I would definitely encourage it as a free reading book or use it in a novel study. There are many issues that could be discussed and I think students would really enjoy talking about it with their friends, family and the class.

Awards received/Reader's advisory information
I do not know whether this book has won any awards but I do know the first book in the series won the 2010 YRCA award. I found out from Wikipedia that the books in the series also won the ALA Notable Book award, the 2010 Most Favourite Book Around The World, and the 2008, 2009, and 2010  Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. It did not specify which books won the awards. The theme of this book is sibling rivalry, honesty, friendship and family relationships. I think it would be most appropriate for kids 8-13 or grades 3-7. I think this because it is quite long and would be most relatable to kids that age.