I'm going to review these two books together because it's easiest. If you have a boy between the ages of 7-12 I heartily recommend this series. If you have followed my blog for any amount of time, I know you are saying - "Wait a minute Crystal, you didn't like the 4th book and you didn't want your son to read this series." Well yes, I did write that and it was for me personally at the time. I'm getting ready to re-read the 4th book and I'll let you know how I feel on that one soon.
However, starting from the beginning I htink I understand the books more. I understand where Greg is coming from. This is a series that I will say if you are an adult, start with the first one, don't start in the middle. If you are a kid it probably won't matter. I think starting from the beginning gave me a better feel for Greg and his family. Greg is just your average middle school student whose life is changing. His father doesn't think he's tough enough. His mom is a little clueless at times, his best friend is sometimes a loser, his older brother is annoying and his younger brother gets everything he wants. I think I now see things better through Greg's eyes. Yes there is some attitude in the books, but I am already getting that from my 4th grader and I don't think the books gave him that, more like his friends and what he is seeing around him.
I think this series is wonderful for boys who are going to hit those middle school years soon. Especially if they are in the middle-of-the-road group - not popular, not jocks, etc. I think it shows them that there are other boys out there that are going through the same things. And most of all I think this series with it's mix of realism, cartoons and great humor gets young boys (and girls and adults) to read. They are quick reads and as we (my older son and myself) have worked our way through these, we have talked about various things in the books and he has always anxiously grabbed the latest one to bring home and read immediately.
I think I found the second and third books even funnier than the first book. Logan and I would often show each other parts we thought were funny. The cartoons are great, the antics are hysterical at times and both books are very entertaining.
So Mr. Kinney - great job - I can't wait to read the last two available at this time and see what you give us next year. Thank you for taking care of a group that I think is often forgotten about - young boys and giving them something fun and meaningful to read.
My Rating: 4.5/5.0 for both books
***I borrowed these books from my wonderful local library. I was not compensated in any way for my review. I do not receive money for my amazon links since I live in NC (something about some law), so they are up purely for my readers to have a place to check out the book.***
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