Review Detail

Dork Diaries remains one of my favorite book series to this day. This goes hand in hand with Diary of a Wimpy Kid. They are both relatable to younger readers and are something you can get through easily, and books like these also helped contribute to my early love for chapter books.

In this first book by Rachel Renée Russell, the story follows Nikki Maxwell, an eighth grader who has just moved to a new school and is trying to figure out where she fits in. The story is told through Nikki’s diary, where she writes about everything going on in her life. From dealing with school drama and friendships to having crushes and arguments with her family, Nikki shares her thoughts in a way that feels honest and funny.

A big part of the story focuses on Nikki’s rivalry with MacKenzie Hollister, the popular girl at school. The two end up competing in a school art contest, which creates a lot of tension and funny situations along the way. Nikki loves drawing, and the book includes little sketches from her diary that show what she’s thinking and feeling.

One of the best parts about the story is how relatable it can feel, especially for younger readers going through middle school. Nikki has awkward moments, embarrassing situations, and times where she feels like she doesn’t fit in, which makes her a really easy character to understand. The mix of diary writing and drawings also keeps the book fun and easy to read.