Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books In Order Of Release

If you’re a fan of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or looking to dive into this hilarious middle-grade saga, you’ve landed in the right place! This iconic series, loved by kids, parents, and teachers alike, follows the misadventures of Greg Heffley, a relatable middle schooler navigating the chaos of adolescence. With its witty humor, doodle-filled pages, and unforgettable characters, it’s no wonder the series has sold over 250 million copies worldwide. But with so many books (and counting!), it can be tricky to keep track of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books in order.

In this guide, we’ll break down the complete Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series in publication order, share key details about each title, and answer common questions for new and seasoned fans. Whether you’re reading with your kids or revisiting Greg’s world for nostalgia, let’s get started!

Why Read the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series?

Before we jump into the book list, let’s talk about why this series is such a hit:

• Relatable Humor: Greg’s awkward moments and middle school struggles resonate with readers of all ages.
• Engaging Format: The mix of text and cartoon-style illustrations keeps kids hooked, making it perfect for reluctant readers.
• Life Lessons: Beneath the laughs, the series subtly tackles themes like friendship, family, and growing up.

Now, let’s dive into the complete Diary of a Wimpy Kid books in order, based on their publication dates as of October 2025.

List of Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books In Order by Year

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney includes 20 main books (as of October 2025, with the 20th released earlier this month), 3 spin-off books featuring Rowley Jefferson, and several supplementary books like activity guides and movie tie-ins. Below is the complete list of all books sorted by their original release date. I’ve included the series/category for clarity. Release dates are for the first US editions.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books in Order

Here’s the full list of Diary of a Wimpy Kid books in publication order, including main series titles and notable spin-offs. Each book follows Greg Heffley’s diary-style storytelling unless otherwise noted.

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007)
   • What’s it about?: Meet Greg Heffley, a middle schooler with big dreams of popularity but a knack for getting into trouble. From dodging bullies to navigating his annoying older brother, Rodrick, this book sets the tone for the series with laugh-out-loud moments.
   • Why read it?: The book that started it all! It’s a perfect introduction to Greg’s world and his hilarious schemes.
2. Rodrick Rules (2008)
   • What’s it about?: Greg’s back, and this time, his older brother Rodrick is stealing the spotlight. Between Rodrick’s pranks and Greg’s attempts to survive middle school, secrets and sibling rivalry take center stage.
   • Why read it?: Fans love the deeper dive into the Heffley family dynamics and Rodrick’s rock band dreams.
3. The Last Straw (2009)
   • What’s it about?: Greg’s dad wants him to toughen up, so he’s pushed into sports and other “character-building” activities. Spoiler: Greg’s not exactly athletic. Hilarity ensues as he tries to impress his dad while staying true to himself.
   • Why read it?: A great mix of family pressure and middle school antics.
4. Dog Days (2009)
   • What’s it about? Summer vacation should be fun, right? Not for Greg. From failed beach trips to a disastrous dog-sitting gig, this book captures the chaos of summer break.
   • Why read it?: Perfect for readers craving warm-weather laughs and Greg’s signature bad luck.
5. The Ugly Truth (2010)
   • What’s it about?: Greg faces the harsh realities of growing up, including a falling-out with his best friend, Rowley, and the horrors of dental visits. Plus, there’s a new family member causing chaos.
   • Why read it?: A heartfelt look at friendship with plenty of humor to balance it out.
6. Cabin Fever (2011)
   • What’s it about? Winter brings trouble when Greg gets snowed in and faces a school vandalism scandal. Will he clear his name before the holidays?
   • Why read it?: A cozy, funny read for cold days, with Greg’s schemes at their peak.
7. The Third Wheel (2012)
   • What’s it about? Love is in the air, and Greg’s determined to find a date for the school dance. Spoiler: His romantic plans go hilariously wrong.
   • Why read it?: Perfect for fans who love Greg’s awkward attempts at popularity.
8. Hard Luck (2013)
   • What’s it about?: Greg’s luck takes a nosedive when Rowley gets a girlfriend, leaving Greg to navigate middle school alone. Enter a magic 8-ball and some questionable decisions.
   • Why read it?: A fun exploration of friendship and fate.
9. The Long Haul (2014)
   • What’s it about? The Heffley family hits the road for a disastrous family vacation. From a runaway pig to motel mishaps, this trip is one for the books.
   • Why read it?: A fan favorite adapted into a movie, packed with travel-related chaos.
10. Old School (2015)
    • What’s it about?: Greg’s town goes tech-free, and his mom pushes for “old-school” fun. Meanwhile, Greg’s stuck at a creepy summer camp.
    • Why read it?: A nostalgic nod to simpler times with plenty of modern laughs.
11. Double Down (2016)
    • What’s it about?: Greg tries to make a scary movie with Rowley, but school pressures and a creepy candy stash derail his plans.
    • Why read it?: Creative kids will love Greg’s filmmaking misadventures.
12. The Getaway (2017)
    • What’s it about?: The Heffleys jet off to a tropical resort for Christmas, but sunburns, sea creatures, and resort disasters make it anything but relaxing.
    • Why read it?: A sunny escape with Greg’s signature bad luck.
13. The Meltdown (2018)
    • What’s it about?: A massive neighborhood snowball fight turns into an epic winter battle. Greg must navigate alliances and icy chaos.
    • Why read it?: Action-packed and perfect for winter reading.
14. Wrecking Ball (2019)
    • What’s it about?: The Heffleys inherit money and decide to renovate their house, leading to construction chaos and family drama.
    • Why read it?: A hilarious take on home improvement gone wrong.
15. The Deep End (2020)
    • What’s it about?: The Heffleys go camping in an RV, but nature isn’t as relaxing as it seems. From flooded campsites to wild animals, Greg’s in over his head.
    • Why read it?: A must-read for fans of outdoor misadventures.
16. Big Shot (2021)
    • What’s it about? Greg tries his hand at basketball, but his lack of athletic skills leads to some cringeworthy moments on the court.
    • Why read it?: Sports fans and non-athletes alike will laugh at Greg’s struggles.
17. Diper Överlöde (2022)
    • What’s it about?: Rodrick takes center stage as his band, Löded Diper, chases rock stardom. Greg gets dragged along for the wild ride.
    • Why read it?: A fun spotlight on Rodrick and his musical dreams.
18. No Brainer (2023)
    • What’s it about?: Greg’s school is in financial trouble, and he’s caught up in efforts to save it while dodging homework and fundraisers.
    • Why read it?: A timely look at school life with Greg’s classic humor.
19. Hot Mess (2024)
    • What’s it about?: Greg’s summer camp plans spiral into chaos with new challenges, unexpected friendships, and plenty of messes.
    • Why read it?: The latest main series book, packed with fresh laughs.

Spin-Offs and Companion Books

In addition to the main series, Jeff Kinney has written spin-offs and companion books that expand the Diary of a Wimpy Kid universe:

• Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal (2019)
  • What’s it about? Rowley, Greg’s best friend, gets his own diary, sharing his optimistic (and hilarious) take on life.
  • Why read it?: A fresh perspective from the lovable sidekick.
• Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure (2020)
  • What’s it about?: Owley writes a fantasy story full of knights, dragons, and epic quests, with his unique spin.
  • Why read it?: Perfect for fans who love creative storytelling.
• Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories (2021)
  • What’s it about? Rowley shares spooky (but kid-friendly) tales that are more silly than scary.
  • Why read it?: Great for Halloween or fans of lighthearted scares.

Reading Order Tips

• Start with the main series: The core Diary of a Wimpy Kid books (1–19) are best read in publication order for character development and recurring jokes.
• Add spin-offs later: The Rowley Jefferson books are fun extras but not essential to the main storyline.
• For new readers: Begin with the first book to get hooked on Greg’s humor before jumping to later titles.
• For parents: The series is ideal for ages 8–12, but its humor appeals to all ages. Check out the books with your kids for shared laughs!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are there?

As of October 2025, there are 19 main Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and 3 spin-off books in the Rowley Jefferson series, totaling 22 books.

Is there a new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book coming in 2025?

Jeff Kinney typically releases a new book each year in the fall. While no official title has been confirmed for 2025, fans can expect a potential 20th main series book. Stay tuned to Jeff Kinney’s official site or social media for updates!

Are the books suitable for all ages?

The series is written for middle-grade readers (ages 8–12) but is enjoyed by younger kids, teens, and adults for its humor and relatable themes. Parents may want to review content for younger readers, as some books touch on mild mischief or school drama.

Should I read the books in order?

While each book stands alone, reading in publication order enhances the experience, as characters and running gags evolve

Why Fans Love the Series

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series isn’t just a collection of books—it’s a cultural phenomenon. From inspiring movies to encouraging reluctant readers, Greg Heffley’s misadventures have left a lasting mark. Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan, there’s always a new laugh waiting in these pages.

Ready to start reading? Grab the first book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and join Greg on his hilarious journey through middle school. Have a favorite book or moment from the series? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the wimpy fun going!