Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer by Jeff Kinney, the eighteenth book in the series, brings Greg Heffley into the chaos of middle school’s academic pressures. When Greg’s school becomes obsessed with a new initiative to improve students’ grades and brain power, Greg finds himself caught up in the frenzy. From strange new teaching methods to bizarre schoolwide competitions, Greg’s journey through the latest educational craze is filled with confusion and comedic misadventures as he tries to survive the academic madness without losing his cool.
Overall, I’d give this book a three out of five because, while it maintains the humor and relatable school-based scenarios that fans love, the plot feels a bit less exciting compared to some of the more dynamic adventures in earlier books. The focus on academic pressure is a relevant topic, but the execution doesn’t have the same spark or memorable moments as other installments. The book still delivers some funny situations, especially as Greg tries to navigate the chaos of over-the-top school programs, but it lacks the punch that makes other books stand out.
The main thing I like about this book is how it touches on the real-life pressures kids face in school today, especially when it comes to achieving good grades and dealing with new educational trends. Greg’s usual sarcastic and funny take on these situations is entertaining, but overall, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer doesn’t have the same level of excitement as some previous books in the series. I’d rate it a three out of five for its humor and relatability but note that it doesn’t quite reach the highs of earlier adventures. It’s still an enjoyable read, especially for fans of the series, but it feels more like a filler in Greg’s ongoing story.