Genre 6--LS 5603-Book review of a graphic novel

Book review-Graphic work
1.Bibliography- Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid. New York: Amulet Books, 2007. ISBN 13-9780810993136
2. Plot summary-This graphic novel, which has recently been released as a motion picture, gives a glimpse into the life of Greg Heffley as he enters middle school. The torment of early teen years is documented through each diary entry and further enjoyed through the cartoon drawings.
3. Critical Analysis-The character of Greg Heffley is the voice of how many feel as they entered their teenage years. He is walking the line between being seen as a little boy in his parents’ eyes and discovering where he fits in the world of middle school. The theme of growing up into adulthood is evident throughout the novel. The story is told with an attitude of survival, in school, with family and even with friends. Each person who reads any of the series will identify with Greg. Although the character is male, the story can be appreciated by each gender, especially those who are in the same grade level as Greg. With the addition of the cartoon drawings throughout the novel, we are able to understand Greg’s struggles even more with the addition of dialogue and details included in the drawing. Jeff Kinney’s style of writing invites the reader inside the mind of Greg and allows the reader to “walk in the shoes” of a young man entering the of chaotic and turbulent world of junior high. We are able to understand the story from his point of view.
4. Awards won and review excerpts-
Publishers Weekly(starred review)- “Middle school student Greg Heffley takes readers through an academic year's worth of drama. Kinney has a gift for believable preteen dialogue and narration (e.g., "Don't expect me to be all 'Dear Diary' this and 'Dear Diary' that"), and the illustrations serve as a hilarious counterpoint to Greg's often deadpan voice. The hero's utter obliviousness to his friends and family becomes a running joke.”
School Library Journal-“ Kinney does a masterful job of making the mundane life of boys on the brink of adolescence hilarious. Greg is a conflicted soul: he wants to do the right thing, but the constant quest for status and girls seems to undermine his every effort”
Booklist review- “The first year in the middle-school life of Greg Heffley is chronicled in this, episodic chapters. Most revolve around the adolescent male curse: the need to do incredibly dumb things because they seem to be a good idea at the time. Yet, unlike some other books about kids of this age, there's no sense of a slightly condescending adult writer behind the main character. At every moment, Greg seems real, and the engrossed reader will even occasionally see the logic in some of his choices. Greatly adding to the humor are Kinney's cartoons, which appear on every page. The simple line drawings perfectly capture archetypes of growing up, such as a preschool-age little brother, out-of-touch teachers, and an assortment of class nerds.”
5. Connections-
Other books in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series:
Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. ISBN-10: 0810994739
Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw. ISBN-10: 0810970686
Kinney, Jeff. Dog Days (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 4). ISBN-10: 0810983915
Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book. ISBN-10: 0810979772