Wimpy Kid and Beyond: Fun, Easy‑to‑Read Books for Children Who Need a Boost

For many young readers, especially those who struggle to stay focused or feel intimidated by long chapters, finding the right book can completely change their reading journey. One series that has consistently helped reluctant readers gain confidence is Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid — a franchise that has grown into one of the most recognizable names in children’s literature.

The main Diary of a Wimpy Kid series currently includes 20 books, each packed with humor, doodle‑style illustrations, and short chapters that make reading feel fun rather than overwhelming. These books follow the everyday adventures of Greg Heffley, a middle‑schooler whose awkward, relatable experiences help kids feel seen and understood.

Below is the full list of the 20 main Wimpy Kid books, perfect for parents, teachers, and young readers exploring the series:

Main Series (20 Books)

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
2. Rodrick Rules
3. The Last Straw
4. Dog Days
5. The Ugly Truth
6. Cabin Fever
7. The Third Wheel
8. Hard Luck
9. The Long Haul
10. Old School
11. Double Down
12. The Getaway
13. The Meltdown
14. Wrecking Ball
15. The Deep End
16. Big Shot
17. Diper Överlöde
18. No Brainer
19. Hot Mess
20. Partypooper

These titles have become staples in classrooms and homes because they offer something many children’s books struggle to achieve: a reading experience that feels effortless. Kids who normally avoid books often find themselves flipping through Wimpy Kid pages without realizing how much they’re actually reading.

But the Wimpy Kid universe is just the beginning. The success of the series has inspired a wave of fun, easy‑to‑read children’s books that use humor, illustrations, and relatable characters to keep young readers engaged. Graphic‑novel hybrids, illustrated chapter books, and diary‑style stories all follow the same winning formula — making reading accessible, enjoyable, and confidence‑building.

For children who need a gentle push into the world of books, starting with Wimpy Kid and exploring similar titles can open the door to a lifelong love of reading.

Sources: – Wimpy Kid Official Website (WimpyKid.com) – Wimpy Kid Press Announcements – Abrams Books (Publisher Information) – Publicly available author interviews | Diary of a Wimpy Kid | Facebook

Missed the beginning? Start with Diary of a Wimpy Kid: How a Simple Idea Became a Global Phenomenon