Book Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School

By Jeff Kinney 

3 Stars 

Old School by Jeff Kinney is the 10th book in the popular series and delivers a new round of Greg Heffley's hilarious misunderstandings—with a nostalgic twist this time. When the town decides to go "electronics-free" for a weekend, Greg gets caught in a series of accidents that force him to cope with the world in an old-fashioned way. 

Greg's mother, Susan Heffley, leads the charge for a simpler life, much to Greg's annoyance. His struggle becomes one of the central tensions of the book, as Greg just wants to enjoy his video games and avoid responsibility. When Greg ends up at Hardscrabble Farms on a school field trip, things escalate at the Wi-Fi-free location, where there's a scary legend about a character named Silas Scratch. As usual, Rowley Jefferson adds comic relief, and the misunderstandings pile up in typical Greg fashion.  

Jeff Kinney continues to blend cartoon illustrations with a humorous narrative that perfectly captures the awkwardness of middle school. Although the plot may not be the strongest in the series, the theme of adapting to change and living without modern technology feels fresh and relatable. Fans of the series will enjoy it, especially for its humour and Greg's signature self-centred charm. 

Reviewed by Divnoor

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