I don't think it is safe to say that The Diary of Wimpy Kid is starting to phase out. With every new edition comes the sweep of "Wimpy" hysteria. I have kids who only want to check out the Diary books at the library, despite them always being on hold.
I am a firm believer in letting kids reading books that they love. If I had a lengthy novel put in front of me, as an adult, would that turn me onto reading more? NOPE! Let's face it, I like to read magazines and the occasional chic lit. Why would a kid be any different?
I had a parent that was concerned about her son's lack of reading enjoyment. However, this kid loved Diary of a Wimpy Kid, he eat, slept and breathed it (almost :) I told the mother that we are going to let him run with it for as long as he wants and then we will do the bait and switch, get him hooked on other series.
The idea is that the kid is reading, it may be the same series and characters, but the key is that this kid is reading, gaining fluency, sight word recognition. So we went forth and did just what my plan called for. I slowly introduced "other" books, sometimes with a little eyebrow raised, lip curled, not sure if I want to read this type of look. I started with graphic novels because they are similar to the Diary series, pictures followed by a narrative. Less intimidating. We are now half way through the school year and well, I now have this kid hooked on "other" books. I just gave him one book after another with the main theme of chocolate, Chocolate Fever, The Chocolate Touch and Robert and the Chocolate Worms. He read every one, in a matter of a couple days, loving each one. I hope to continue to foster this new found love for "other" books. I know he will always love and cherish his Diary of a Wimpy Kid but now I know he has started his love for reading.
I am attaching my list of books that boys or girls, who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Enjoy!
