The Ugly Truth

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney

Amulet Books, 2010

Middle Grade

217 pages

5 out of 5

Greg Heffley has always been in a hurry to grow up.  But is getting holder really all it's cracked up to be?

Greg suddenly finds himself dealing with the pressures of boy-girl parties, increased responsibilities, and even the awkward changes that come with getting older--all without his best friend, Rowley, at his side.  Can Greg make it through on his own?  Or will he have to face the "ugly truth?"

In this fifth installment of the wildly popular series, Greg is confronted with school life without his best friend (or any friend at all, it seems).  In the midst of struggling to find a new best friend, he's being exposed to the world of hormones and bodily changes.

Greg doesn't take the information seriously.  And why should he? He gets the typical biology lesson at school and Grandma's talk about enjoying your youth before getting bunions.  Growing up is confusing, and the adults who try to explain it just confuse Greg even more.

Greg's voice remains true and fans of the series will certainly enjoy this latest installment.  Kinney takes on the topic of puberty and growing older in a way that readers will be able to connect with.  This book does a great job at keeping up the humorous look at pre-teen life while also hinting to the bumpy road ahead.