A 10-Year-Old Tells Us Why He Loves ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’

He has every book in the series.

A wry sense of humor and a lithe, minimalist drawing style that makes your average Peanuts strip look like Guernica has made Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series a smash. The comic adventures and mishaps of Greg Heffley, a middle child in middle school, told in Greg’s own voice, have sold more than 185 million copies in 53 languages and inspired four films. Kinney will visit University Book Store Sunday to celebrate the release of the 12th book in the series, The Getaway. For insight into the series’ popularity, I spoke to superfan Jack Borchert, who is in fourth grade in Coon Rapids, Minn., and who, since he discovered the series in third grade, now owns all 12 books plus a few extra copies.

What do you like about these books? I like them for the funny characters and how they each have their own special personality.

Do you have a favorite character? Rodrick, the older brother—sometimes he may be a little goofy sometimes, and he likes to pull pranks on Greg. Also I kind of like the mom, because she has a very determined personality—she always tries to get the family together for a vacation, but it always gets screwed up.

Are these books popular at your school? A couple of other kids read them—at least a small handful do.

Do you think you have anything in common with Greg? Not exactly, because for one, instead of my sisters driving me crazy, I actually love them.

Who do you think would like this series best? I recommend this book to anybody that likes Captain Underpants or Big Nate. University Book Store, 4326 University Way N.E., ubookstore.com. 1 p.m. Sun., Nov. 19.

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