1. Lori Hogan - December 3, 2009

   This book is mean spirited and not really appropriate for children. I recommend parents read the book before they give it to children younger than 12.
   Rating: 1 / 5

2. CH-SC - December 3, 2009

   I borrowed this book from my public library and I was at first impressed with the little pictures and the layout of the book which really made it inviting to read. However, on reading it, I don’t think there is anything really interesting about this book. It’s not even that funny to me. I did read the whole book though. I have a better recommendation. Try « The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole » by Sue Townsend. There is about three in the series and while the first one was written in the 1980s and makes references to UK society and culture, it is a much more sophisticated read and a lot more funny, sad, etc. The Adrian Mole diaries begins when Adrian is 13 and 3/4 years old so a little bit older than Greg but not much more.

   Two-star rating overall. Could be a lot more interesting.
   Rating: 2 / 5

3. Aaron - December 3, 2009

   Our whole family loved the first Wimpy Kid Book so picking this one up was a no brainer. Rodrick Rules just didn’t have as many laughs as the first volume. My son still tore through it, but he hasn’t re-read it several times as he did Wimpy Kid 1. Not terrible, but not laugh out loud funny either.
   Rating: 3 / 5

4. Mark S. El-dweek - December 3, 2009

   I read most of this book to my 7th and eighth grade classes. I could not help noticing how selfish Greg was: nothing was his fault; he was always looking for a way out of a tough situation. There is really nothing redeeming about his character. The book, however, has some really funny parts.
   Rating: 2 / 5

5. S. Schell - December 3, 2009

   I hesitated before I let my son check this out from the library. He sees other kids reading it and there was even a big pre-sale/promotion at our school for Kinney’s latest book in this series. Since I was unsure, I made him read it aloud to me before I let him read it on his own.

   By the time we were twenty minutes into reading, we heard about “butt kissing”, the word “jerk” used a few times and “screwed up”. Now if that weren’t bad enough, Kinney (through his main character) was kind enough to teach children how to cheat on exams. Needless to say, I had a lot of explaining and “un-doing” to take care of; but not until we closed the book and it went BACK to the library.

   I was totally apalled at this material. Now I have to explain to my second grader (who reads way beyond grade-level) that cheating will get you a fast trip to the principals office and that “screwed up” and “jerk” are terms we don’t use. My husband and I are very careful about the language and slang we expose our children to and what they are allowed to use at home.

   I am convinced that 99% of parents just see this cartoon-y book that must seem innocuous. They probably don’t even look at it or read it with their kids. Be warned! My next letter will be to the author; shame on him and the publisher for printing such material. Jeff Kinney books are permanently banned from our home and reading lists.
   Rating: 1 / 5

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