Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid Guided Reading Level

• Home
• My Books

Open Preview

See a Problem?

We'd love your help. Let us know what's wrong with this preview of Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid by Jeff Kinney.

Thanks for telling us about the problem.

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

Popular Answered Questions

Community Reviews

 · 39,826 ratings  · 874 reviews

Start your review of Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson's Journal

Apr 09, 2019 Emily rated it liked it

I was hoping that this would be a more, well, awesome and friendly book than the Wimpy Kid books but, alas, it was not. Instead, it was a chronicle of Greg's bullying from Rowley's perspective, and Rowley does a lot of minimizing and excusing. It was heartbreaking and very, very real. Like, jeez, this is a seriously abusive relationship. Are there funny parts? Yes, actually, especially if cringe humor doesn't make you feel overwhelming secondhand embarrassment. But oh my gosh poor Rowley! At lea I was hoping that this would be a more, well, awesome and friendly book than the Wimpy Kid books but, alas, it was not. Instead, it was a chronicle of Greg's bullying from Rowley's perspective, and Rowley does a lot of minimizing and excusing. It was heartbreaking and very, very real. Like, jeez, this is a seriously abusive relationship. Are there funny parts? Yes, actually, especially if cringe humor doesn't make you feel overwhelming secondhand embarrassment. But oh my gosh poor Rowley! At least Rowley's parents call out Greg for being a horrible friend, but wow.

Parents and kids who want a more positive Wimpy Kid need to look elsewhere, but I would consider this book necessary reading for fans of Wimpy Kid for an alternate perspective on Greg's behaviors.

Edit to add: this is like Cat's Eye for kids, without the character development.

...more

Apr 14, 2019 Patty rated it did not like it

This book was a steaming pile of moldy cheese slices. What a train-wreck. I guess Jeff Kinney has gotten to a point in his career where neither he nor his publisher care what he writes; they just know that money will be made off of it, thanks to the success of Diary of a Wimpy Kid (a series that also needs to be laid to rest, but that's a different story). This book seemed like it was put together the night before the draft was due to the publisher. It's dumb, rushed, pointless, and lacks creati This book was a steaming pile of moldy cheese slices. What a train-wreck. I guess Jeff Kinney has gotten to a point in his career where neither he nor his publisher care what he writes; they just know that money will be made off of it, thanks to the success of Diary of a Wimpy Kid (a series that also needs to be laid to rest, but that's a different story). This book seemed like it was put together the night before the draft was due to the publisher. It's dumb, rushed, pointless, and lacks creativity in all areas. For a kid's book, the grammar is horrendous. Kids who are already reluctant readers are going to think lazy writing is acceptable after reading this book. As characters, both Greg and Rowley are complete and total idiots; it is literally impossible to like, or even tolerate, either of them. I feel bad for the trees that were cut down in order to print copies of this book. ...more

May 01, 2019 Destiny rated it it was ok

Rowley needs to love himself.

It's no fun reading about how toxic a friend Greg is to Rowley. Greg's never been a saint, but with the focus solely on Rowley, we see how much of a butthole Greg is on a daily basis.

Greg, until you do right by Rowley, nothing's going to work for you.

Also, for a book about Rowley, there's too much Greg in it. On the other hand, who is Rowley without Greg? It might've been more fun if the book explored Rowley begrudgingly listening to his parents and finding other fr

Rowley needs to love himself.

It's no fun reading about how toxic a friend Greg is to Rowley. Greg's never been a saint, but with the focus solely on Rowley, we see how much of a butthole Greg is on a daily basis.

Greg, until you do right by Rowley, nothing's going to work for you.

Also, for a book about Rowley, there's too much Greg in it. On the other hand, who is Rowley without Greg? It might've been more fun if the book explored Rowley begrudgingly listening to his parents and finding other friends before going back to Greg. You know, it's been a while since I read some of the DOAWK books, but I think I remember Rowley becoming great friends with some other boy and Greg was so jealous!

Anyway, this book was by no means terrible, but I didn't enjoy most of it. I did really like Rowley's corny superhero and how much he loved his parents. Rowley's quirky, sweet, and utterly embarrassing, but at least he's not Greg. (view spoiler)[ Also, I wanted Greg to get more of a comeuppance, and the only time he was seemingly nice is when he stood up for Rowley's grade. But, of course, he had his own ulterior motives. I mean kids aren't perfect, but Greg is just nasty. (hide spoiler)]

-1 for enjoyment

...more

I just needed a light-hearted book because i'm having exams.
I wanted more but this wasn't too bad.

Apr 25, 2019 kelly rated it it was amazing

I got so excited when I saw this in the bookstore! Super funny and cute.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is my guilty pleasure.

May 24, 2019 Laurene rated it did not like it

When my son was in grammar school, he read and reread the Wimpy Kid series. I was passing by a book display, it was the introduction of the latest installment of the series. The perspective of Rowley, who is Greg's best friend, was explored. I was hoping for a fun read and more escapades between the two friends. But, instead, the reader actually got to explore how Greg is just an ordinary manipulator and bully. I thought there would be some life lesson at the end. For example, Greg would apolog
When my son was in grammar school, he read and reread the Wimpy Kid series. I was passing by a book display, it was the introduction of the latest installment of the series. The perspective of Rowley, who is Greg's best friend, was explored. I was hoping for a fun read and more escapades between the two friends. But, instead, the reader actually got to explore how Greg is just an ordinary manipulator and bully. I thought there would be some life lesson at the end. For example, Greg would apologize and/or Rowley would stand up for himself. So disappointed due to the reputation of the author and the well known series. ...more

Apr 11, 2019 Ashley rated it really liked it

I went into this really excited to read about Rowley and the things that go through his sweet little head, but instead I got a book about what a jerk Greg is. And, like, I knew he wasn't the best role model or well-behaved kid, but his books were funny, so I overlooked it.

Not that Rowley's "diary" wasn't funny - I laughed out loud plenty, and enjoyed this book more than the most recent Wimpy Kid book. But it was also a little sad to see Rowley get treated like garbage. These reviews really poin

I went into this really excited to read about Rowley and the things that go through his sweet little head, but instead I got a book about what a jerk Greg is. And, like, I knew he wasn't the best role model or well-behaved kid, but his books were funny, so I overlooked it.

Not that Rowley's "diary" wasn't funny - I laughed out loud plenty, and enjoyed this book more than the most recent Wimpy Kid book. But it was also a little sad to see Rowley get treated like garbage. These reviews really point out that this book isn't as "awesome" or "friendly" as the title implies, and it a little bums me out that this book about Rowley is another excuse to push out more Greg.

In short, less Greg, more Joshie.

...more

Mar 24, 2021 Mango rated it it was amazing

This is another light-hearted book by Jeff Kinney. Like I've said before, I enjoy reading these light-hearted books before exams to lessen the stress, and it definitely works! I have state-board exams next week so I've been studying like crazy, I'm glad I sat down to read this humorous book. Totally recommend if you want a good laugh! This is another light-hearted book by Jeff Kinney. Like I've said before, I enjoy reading these light-hearted books before exams to lessen the stress, and it definitely works! I have state-board exams next week so I've been studying like crazy, I'm glad I sat down to read this humorous book. Totally recommend if you want a good laugh! ...more

After reading umpteen diaries of Greg, it was a welcome change to see things from Rowley's point of view . I thoroughly enjoyed his way of telling things..and yes, Rowley is an awesome friendly kid indeed. After reading umpteen diaries of Greg, it was a welcome change to see things from Rowley's point of view . I thoroughly enjoyed his way of telling things..and yes, Rowley is an awesome friendly kid indeed. ...more

Apr 17, 2019 Riana rated it it was ok

For the past few months, this awaited book had many in excited anticipation, had some shaking their heads and rolling their eyes. Why, you ask? Because this book is the story of Greg and Rowley's friendship, told from a fresh perspective: Rowley's.

This book is written more as a recollection of happenings from Rowley and Greg's friendship, rather than a plotted story. Rowley tells readers how he and Greg became friends, shares some good and bad times from their relationship and – most importantly

For the past few months, this awaited book had many in excited anticipation, had some shaking their heads and rolling their eyes. Why, you ask? Because this book is the story of Greg and Rowley's friendship, told from a fresh perspective: Rowley's.

This book is written more as a recollection of happenings from Rowley and Greg's friendship, rather than a plotted story. Rowley tells readers how he and Greg became friends, shares some good and bad times from their relationship and – most importantly – reminisce about their sleepovers. Although Rowley comes across as a bit of a goody-two-shoes in this book, he is, at times, surprisingly perceptive.

In order not to spoil anything, I won't say much about the events Rowley recalls, but I will say that this book had me completely baffled at first (and to some small degree still has). The reason for this, is that some of Rowley's descriptions of Greg does not quite seem to fit.

Although Greg is not one of those protagonists that one comes to adore and admire, one does develop somewhat of an attachment to him after thirteen installments of family drama, disastrous holidays, school project deadlines and decision making pressures. And, although we got to know him as a cynical kid with an unusually dry sense of humour, he was not portrayed as the deliberately annoying type who is so desperate for attention that you just want to tell him to "cut it out already". Despite his unpopular outlook on life and somewhat lethargic attitude, we still get to know a boy who has the frightfulness to know when his mom is feeling sad and keeps a concerned eye on his toddler brother playing alone in the pool. And, despite being somewhat of a wise-crack, he is far from an extroverted babble-mouth. Yet, that is exactly the Greg we meet in Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid. This incongruity simply does not make sense.

Rowley's narration is somewhat simpler than Greg's and the book overall seems as if it will appeal more to a slightly younger market than Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It is about the same length as the average Wimpy Kid book. The font choice is different and appear a little bit larger. Rowley's entries have no indication of days or months (like Greg's do) and are instead represented as a collection of thoughts. Unlike Greg's, Rowley's characters do not have noses or ears and his drawings, in general, contains less details.

It is hard to be sure where Kinney is headed with Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid, but it is definitely in a somewhat different direction than Greg's wimpy tales. I am also guessing that it will appeal more to a slightly younger market than Diary of a Wimpy Kid. If you are a die-hard Wimpy Kid fan, do not be surprised if you do not like this and try not to be disappointed. Rather, see this as a related, but different series that caters to a different taste.

...more

Total snoozefest. And I meant that literally, I almost fall asleep more than once reading this completely boring and unfunny book. Greg's best friend Rowley Jefferson is a really dull character, and this book only further PROVES it. If that's the actual intention from the author of the brilliant Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, well he succeeded in every way. Sometimes a 226-page book can feel like only 2 pages long, like most of those hilarious Wimpy Kid books... and sometimes it can feel like 2260 Total snoozefest. And I meant that literally, I almost fall asleep more than once reading this completely boring and unfunny book. Greg's best friend Rowley Jefferson is a really dull character, and this book only further PROVES it. If that's the actual intention from the author of the brilliant Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, well he succeeded in every way. Sometimes a 226-page book can feel like only 2 pages long, like most of those hilarious Wimpy Kid books... and sometimes it can feel like 2260 pages long, like this stinker. Thank God Kinney is saving all his creative energies and wacky humors for the still running as brilliant as ever Wimpy Kid books! ...more

It's not quite a graphic novel or comic book, but it does have plenty of fun illustrations. Rowley certainly is an Awesome Friendly Kid! It's not quite a graphic novel or comic book, but it does have plenty of fun illustrations. Rowley certainly is an Awesome Friendly Kid! ...more

Apr 09, 2019 Blaze Theil rated it did not like it

Wow, this book is terrible. I swear, it made me lose respect for two characters that I've always liked. I've always found the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series some of the funniest books I've ever read. Sure, it had some low points, like Double Down. But, just a few months ago, we got the entry that I consider to be the best in the series so far and THIS is how you follow it up? The entire book is just Rowley being an idiot and Greg manipulating him and being a horrible friend. I always knew he wasn't Wow, this book is terrible. I swear, it made me lose respect for two characters that I've always liked. I've always found the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series some of the funniest books I've ever read. Sure, it had some low points, like Double Down. But, just a few months ago, we got the entry that I consider to be the best in the series so far and THIS is how you follow it up? The entire book is just Rowley being an idiot and Greg manipulating him and being a horrible friend. I always knew he wasn't exactly a good kid, but some of this stuff is out of character even for him. The stories are not particularly creative, the jokes are rarely funny to anyone who isn't under the age of five. That's probably the age group that this is for. I always thought that this series had something for everyone. But, there is nothing in here for anyone who doesn't have an underdeveloped brain. Oh, well. Maybe I'm being to harsh. One of my favorite things about the other books is the subtle messages. I didn't even get some of the messages when I was a kid. So, may this book that's more for kids will have an easier to understand message... Wait? It doesn't? IT DOESN'T!? I HATE THIS BOOK!
TL;DR Don't read this.
I'm still excited for the next main series book, though... ...more

I really liked this book and I enjoyed reading the untold stories of Greg but I'd expected it to be slightly longer. I really liked this book and I enjoyed reading the untold stories of Greg but I'd expected it to be slightly longer. ...more

Apr 28, 2019 Julie Suzanne rated it really liked it

I almost didn't read this with all of the horrible reviews I saw! The consensus among adults seems to be that Greg is portrayed as a jerk with no redeeming qualities. Hello! I don't remember any redeeming qualities in any of the 13 DWK books! He has HORRIBLE character! That is who he is, and Rowley was always being bullied and used by him and you ALWAYS wondered why he put up with it, and this was no different in my opinion. I'm glad I read it anyway.

This installment is as funny as the rest. I l

I almost didn't read this with all of the horrible reviews I saw! The consensus among adults seems to be that Greg is portrayed as a jerk with no redeeming qualities. Hello! I don't remember any redeeming qualities in any of the 13 DWK books! He has HORRIBLE character! That is who he is, and Rowley was always being bullied and used by him and you ALWAYS wondered why he put up with it, and this was no different in my opinion. I'm glad I read it anyway.

This installment is as funny as the rest. I laughed out loud, right from the gut, many times. The whole studying in the library scene was hilarious, and I can't wait to hear if my son laughs when he reads it because in that situation, Greg could've been swapped for my son. It's a sad truth, and it's best for us (my son and I) to be able to laugh at it now that we're older and wiser.

I continue to maintain that these books are best appreciated by adults and older teens, who have the perspective and understanding to see that they may have been a LITTLE like this when they were in MS but now have matured and laugh about that difficult period in our lives. I see why you don't want your kids reading it, but they love it for reasons I don't understand.

...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This just made me so incredibly sad. I was looking forward to reading Rowley's diary-- sadly, only eight pages of the book were actually his diary, and the rest of the book was Rowley's biography of Greg. The biography tells several tales of Greg taking advantage of Rowley, tricking him, and generally being mean to him. Maybe because Rowley was in all the stories, that's why the book was pitched as his diary? I could have dealt with all of Greg's meanness if he had even learned a lesson ONCE. No This just made me so incredibly sad. I was looking forward to reading Rowley's diary-- sadly, only eight pages of the book were actually his diary, and the rest of the book was Rowley's biography of Greg. The biography tells several tales of Greg taking advantage of Rowley, tricking him, and generally being mean to him. Maybe because Rowley was in all the stories, that's why the book was pitched as his diary? I could have dealt with all of Greg's meanness if he had even learned a lesson ONCE. Nope. It doesn't even end with Greg acknowledging Rowley's hard work on his book, just criticizing how much Rowley inserted himself into the story. I just found it entirely too negative, without any kind of lesson. ...more

Jun 07, 2019 Eric rated it liked it

Must be pretty desperate to have a "friend" like Greg.

This book was basically a chronicle of all the times Greg has acted like a d*** to Rowley. The book was very repetitive and I really just read it because I thought seeing the Wimpy Kid series through Rowley's eyes. The only reason this book is not one star is because i give credit to Kinney for writing and drawing how most people would imagine Rowley to draw. If this book was not by such a great author my copy would be sitting in a landfill s

Must be pretty desperate to have a "friend" like Greg.

This book was basically a chronicle of all the times Greg has acted like a d*** to Rowley. The book was very repetitive and I really just read it because I thought seeing the Wimpy Kid series through Rowley's eyes. The only reason this book is not one star is because i give credit to Kinney for writing and drawing how most people would imagine Rowley to draw. If this book was not by such a great author my copy would be sitting in a landfill somewhere slowly decomposing.
All in all, just a disappointing.... Addition? to the Wimpy kid series.

...more

i liked it, but there was some tmi so... 4stars plz!

This is kinda eye opener book of this series. I enjoy Greg's thinking process, self obsession, jokes, humour; I do not deny that. I cannot deny that. That is what make me stick with this series. But a part of my heart knows that Greg is not someone who is ideal as friend and who can be turned out as a toxic adult in future. Rowly's point of view is not much entertaining as Greg but in this book he simply brings out the dark side of Greg. He is a toxic friend. I can relate to Rowly's parent. I me This is kinda eye opener book of this series. I enjoy Greg's thinking process, self obsession, jokes, humour; I do not deny that. I cannot deny that. That is what make me stick with this series. But a part of my heart knows that Greg is not someone who is ideal as friend and who can be turned out as a toxic adult in future. Rowly's point of view is not much entertaining as Greg but in this book he simply brings out the dark side of Greg. He is a toxic friend. I can relate to Rowly's parent. I mean not in a million years, I can see someone like Greg treating my child like shit in the name of friendship. Three stars is for Rowly. My heart goes to you my child. You are pure but sometimes you do cross the line and become doofus. My child, do not let people like Greg take advantage of you son. ...more

May 15, 2019 Karen rated it it was ok

Disappointing. There were some funny moments, but I wanted a book about Rowley and this was mostly about Greg again. Also, without Greg's inner monologue to humanize him, he's really just a manipulative a**hole and Rowley his abuse victim. Disappointing. There were some funny moments, but I wanted a book about Rowley and this was mostly about Greg again. Also, without Greg's inner monologue to humanize him, he's really just a manipulative a**hole and Rowley his abuse victim. ...more

I really enjoyed reading a book from Rowley's perspective. I wish it was a little bit more about Rowley and less about Greg. We already knew Greg is a really terrible friend from his own books. I don't know if this will be a series but I will read it if it continues. I really enjoyed reading a book from Rowley's perspective. I wish it was a little bit more about Rowley and less about Greg. We already knew Greg is a really terrible friend from his own books. I don't know if this will be a series but I will read it if it continues. ...more

Ok ik what your thinking, wait aren't you too old to read this?
Yes, yes I am but my brother is obsessed with this diary of a wimpy kid and I used to read them as a kid as well. Honestly they're just fun reads that I genuinely enjoy and they're really short so I can read them in like an hour, also they help me with my reading goal. So they're like a full package. I don't rate these btw.
Idk why I'm explaining myself rn 🤦‍♀️

Apr 27, 2019 Reilly rated it liked it

Greg is such a terrible person lmao

Exceeded my expectations, one of the better newer books of the series and somewhat refreshing I must admit

Rowley needs to get out of this abusive relationship

Apr 29, 2019 James rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This was a good, funny book just like the rest of the series of the wimpy kid books. But it was very different than I thought it was going to be. It was more about Greg than Rowley which was very oddly surprising. Anyway it was still an awesome book.

Its not funny at all. The book is all about how Greg bullied Rowley and that's it. Jeff Kinney seriously needs to write something much better than this. Its not funny at all. The book is all about how Greg bullied Rowley and that's it. Jeff Kinney seriously needs to write something much better than this. ...more

Jan 14, 2020 Limau Nipis rated it did not like it

You know what, screw this book. After dedicating myself reading countless of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and its sequels, this book made me realise Greg Heffley, the wimpy kid and the star character in every book is actually a BULLY.

And I hate that, seriously I hate that.

Previously, I had some bad notions about Rowley Jefferson, the best friend. But then I realised, this book open my eyes on Greg, and what a hard truth I have to accept. A bully befriending Rowley.

And I was expecting to read about Rowl

You know what, screw this book. After dedicating myself reading countless of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and its sequels, this book made me realise Greg Heffley, the wimpy kid and the star character in every book is actually a BULLY.

And I hate that, seriously I hate that.

Previously, I had some bad notions about Rowley Jefferson, the best friend. But then I realised, this book open my eyes on Greg, and what a hard truth I have to accept. A bully befriending Rowley.

And I was expecting to read about Rowley, but when the author keep ranting about Greg and Rowley, I find this book quite a let down for me.

P/S: I think I will have to take a long time to pick another book on the Wimpy Kid series. This book just kill my ideal idea about Greg :(

...more

Greg Heffley has never been the most liked character in his "Diary" 📓 series, but seeing his meek friend Rowley Jefferson 😀 get his own diary spin-off is a nice surprise, for a while. While it does focus mainly on Rowley most of the time, we keep seeing Greg continuously being a jerk to him and sees him more as a lowly minion to his obnoxious antics. Kinney's illustrations and Rowley's amusing narrative is what keeps this spinoff from being a pass and will still delight fans. Here's a new title Greg Heffley has never been the most liked character in his "Diary" 📓 series, but seeing his meek friend Rowley Jefferson 😀 get his own diary spin-off is a nice surprise, for a while. While it does focus mainly on Rowley most of the time, we keep seeing Greg continuously being a jerk to him and sees him more as a lowly minion to his obnoxious antics. Kinney's illustrations and Rowley's amusing narrative is what keeps this spinoff from being a pass and will still delight fans. Here's a new title I see for Rowley's diary: "Greg Heffley: My Friend, The Jerk 😏". B- (67%/Decent) ...more

Apr 26, 2021 Rachel rated it really liked it

We listened to this on audio for a family road trip and I can see why kids enjoy these books so much. This is the journal of Rowley Jefferson, Greg Heffley's best friend. In this story, we see Rowley's side of their friendship which makes Greg look like a manipulative Tom Sawyer type character, always tricking Rowley into doing his chores and taking credit for his ideas. The voice felt so authentic, I often forgot an adult was telling this story. It reminded me of the Beverly Clearly books I rea We listened to this on audio for a family road trip and I can see why kids enjoy these books so much. This is the journal of Rowley Jefferson, Greg Heffley's best friend. In this story, we see Rowley's side of their friendship which makes Greg look like a manipulative Tom Sawyer type character, always tricking Rowley into doing his chores and taking credit for his ideas. The voice felt so authentic, I often forgot an adult was telling this story. It reminded me of the Beverly Clearly books I read as a kid like Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and I'm glad to see these types of introspective MG stories making a resurgence. ...more

At first , I thought the book would be about another kid, but man it was Greg again. Reading about him from his best friend's perspective made me convinced that he is a jerk and there is no other way to say it. He got on my nerves even more than usual. At first , I thought the book would be about another kid, but man it was Greg again. Reading about him from his best friend's perspective made me convinced that he is a jerk and there is no other way to say it. He got on my nerves even more than usual. ...more

Jeff Kinney is an author of children's books including Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series. Jeff was born in College Park, Maryland, in 1971 where he created a comic strip called "Igdoof."He also created the children's website 'Poptropica'. Jeff Kinney is an author of children's books including Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series. Jeff was born in College Park, Maryland, in 1971 where he created a comic strip called "Igdoof."He also created the children's website 'Poptropica'. ...more

Other books in the series

Related Articles

Don't let kids have all the fun! Try these ageless recs from the author of Hard Luck, next in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

"Once people know you're a CHEATER it follows you wherever you go." — 1 likes

"Sometimes friends get on each other's nerves." — 1 likes

More quotes…

Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account.

Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid Guided Reading Level

Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43120234-diary-of-an-awesome-friendly-kid

Share this post