It’s easy to look at the stick-figure drawings and the "Cheese Touch" jokes and think your kid is stagnating. But there is a reason Diary of a Wimpy Kid has sold over 250 million copies.

Jeff Kinney tapped into something very specific: the "hybrid novel." These books aren't quite graphic novels and they aren't quite traditional prose. For a kid who finds a wall of text intimidating, the illustrations provide "visual rest." They can fly through 200 pages in an afternoon, which gives them a massive hit of dopamine and a sense of accomplishment.

More importantly, Greg Heffley is a relatable anti-hero. He isn't Harry Potter saving the world. He’s a selfish, slightly deluded, socially awkward middle schooler just trying to survive gym class. For kids, that honesty is refreshing. It’s not "brain rot"; it’s a mirror to the awkwardness of growing up.

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I get it. You want them to read Wonder by R.J. Palacio or dive into Percy Jackson. You’re tired of hearing about Rowley and the Loded Diper band.

The mistake many parents make is trying to force a jump from "Wimpy Kid" straight to "Serious Literature." That’s like asking someone who only runs 5Ks to do a marathon tomorrow. You need a training plan. You need books that keep the humor and the visual elements but slowly increase the complexity of the themes.

If you want to move them beyond the Heffley household, you have to match the vibe before you change the format. Here are the best paths forward based on what your kid actually likes about the series.

Nate Wright is basically Greg Heffley if Greg were actually a little more likable and into cartoons. It’s a comic-strip hybrid that feels very familiar to "Wimpy Kid" fans but often features more clever wordplay and slightly better-developed side characters.

If your kid likes the "naughty" or "edgy" humor of Greg Heffley, The Bad Guys is a perfect transition. It’s heavy on the illustrations (almost a comic book) and follows a group of scary animals trying to be heroes. It’s fast-paced, hilarious, and much higher quality than the Netflix show version.

This is for the kid who loves the absurdism. It’s a full graphic novel series about two alligators who solve crimes. It’s pun-heavy and keeps that fast-moving energy that "Wimpy Kid" readers crave.

This is the ultimate "Level 2" book for Wimpy Kid fans. It still has the illustrations and the funny, first-person narrator (Jack Sullivan), but it adds a post-apocalyptic monster-fighting plot. It introduces higher stakes and genuine character growth while still feeling "cool" and accessible.

If your kid is aging out of the "middle school drama" but still wants short, punchy chapters, the I Survived series is a powerhouse. It’s historical fiction but written like a thriller. Many of these have been adapted into graphic novels now, too.

Raina’s books (including Sisters and Guts) are the gold standard for graphic memoirs. They deal with the same social anxiety and school drama as "Wimpy Kid" but with a lot more heart and "real-world" resonance. These are huge hits with ages 8-12.

Yes, it’s a "real" book (prose), but it’s often the first one that "Wimpy Kid" fans actually finish. Why? Because it’s told in short chapters from different perspectives, making it feel fast-paced and manageable.

Check out our guide on the best graphic novels for middle schoolers

Ages 7-9: This is the prime "Wimpy Kid" era. At this age, don't sweat the "literary merit." Focus on volume. If they are reading anything, it's a win. Supplement with Dog Man or Cat Kid Comic Club to keep the momentum.

Ages 10-12: This is when you want to start introducing the "Bridge Books" like The Last Kids on Earth or Wings of Fire. If they are only reading Wimpy Kid at 12, they might be using it as a "safety" book because they’re intimidated by longer novels.

Ages 13+: If they’re still stuck here, it’s often about nostalgia or a quick "reset" between harder school assignments. However, you might want to point them toward more mature graphic novels or manga like Spy x Family to evolve their tastes.

Let’s be honest: Greg Heffley is kind of a jerk. He’s often mean to his best friend Rowley, he lies to his parents, and he’s incredibly self-centered.

As a parent, you don't need to ban the book because of this, but you can use it as a conversation starter. Greg is a classic example of "how not to behave."

Unlike Bluey, which models perfect parenting and kid behavior, Diary of a Wimpy Kid models the messy, often-unlikable reality of being a kid. That has value, as long as your kid knows Greg isn't exactly the hero of the story.

If you walk into your kid's room and say, "I’ve noticed you’re only reading hybrid novels and I’d like to diversify your portfolio with some Newbery Medal winners," they will stop listening before you finish the sentence.

Instead, try the "Side-Car" approach:

Learn more about how to help a reluctant reader find their spark

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is a tool, not a trap. It’s the "gateway drug" to reading for millions of kids who might otherwise have spent that time on Roblox or YouTube.

Celebrate that they are reading. Laugh at the jokes with them. And then, slowly, start leaving copies of The Last Kids on Earth around the house. They’ll get there.