Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules picks up where the first book left off, following Greg Heffley as he continues to navigate the challenges of middle school—this time with even more trouble from his older brother, Rodrick. As Greg tries to keep an embarrassing secret from getting out, Rodrick uses it as leverage to make his life miserable. Meanwhile, their parents push them to bond which only leads to more chaos, pranks and Greg finding himself in one awkward situation after another.
What makes this book stand out is its perfect mix of humor, sibling rivalry and everyday struggles, all told through Greg’s signature diary format, complete with witty illustrations. The dynamic between Greg and Rodrick is both frustrating and relatable, capturing the reality of having an older sibling who always seems to have the upper hand. Kinney does a fantastic job of making Greg’s experiences feel real, from the struggles of keeping secrets to dealing with an annoying family. While the book is aimed at younger readers, its humor, clever storytelling and realistic family dynamics make it an entertaining read for all ages. The mix of text and cartoons keeps things engaging, making it a book that’s easy to fly through in one sitting. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fun and lighthearted read that perfectly captures the ups and downs of growing up with siblings.