It’s 2026 and we’re still talking about Greg Heffley for a reason. Jeff Kinney tapped into the specific brand of 'middle school awkwardness' that never really goes out of style. Greg isn't a role model—he's a cautionary tale with a diary, and that's why kids love him.

If you're worried about your kid picking up Greg’s bad habits, don't be. Most kids are smart enough to see that Greg’s shortcuts and lies usually blow up in his face. It’s a safe, funny, and incredibly effective way to get a kid to actually enjoy reading without it feeling like a chore.