Best Books Like Wimpy Kid (2026): 5 Picks for Middle-Grade Readers

A reader who just finished a Wimpy Kid book usually wants the same thing next: short chapters, funny situations and pictures on the page. Best books like wimpy kid, compared below for parents, teachers and young readers.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Diary of a Wimpy Kid Box 1-10 by Kinney	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	The Unteachables by Korman	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	The Long Haul by Kinney	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	The Last Kids on Earth by Brallier	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Diary of a Wimpy Kid Mad Libs	9.3/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Box 1-10 by Kinney

Jeff Kinney·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 10-book hardcover set of Books 1 to 10 for readers who want the series start at once.

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Pros

• Books 1 to 10 in hardcover, one gift set
• 2240 pages across ten books
• Reading age 8-10, grade 3-7 stated

Cons

• Only Books 1 to 10; series runs to Book 21
• Big commitment for a new reader
• Reading age from customers only

2

The Unteachables by Korman

Gordon Korman·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A humorous classroom novel about a group of middle school misfits placed together in room 117 with a burned-out teacher.

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Pros

• Complete standalone 304-page novel with no required sequels
• Humorous school setting following student misfits and their teacher in room 117
• Both grade level 3 to 7 and customer reading age 10 to 12 are stated on the listing
• Focuses on themes of redemption and personal growth over a full school year

Cons

• Reading age of 10 to 12 years is marked as from customers
• Description mentions student misfits with anger issues and an adult cheating scandal
• Reprint edition published December 30, 2019
• No interior illustrations are listed for younger readers

3

The Long Haul by Kinney

Jeff Kinney·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Book 9 of the series: one illustrated road-trip adventure.

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Pros

• Book 9 of 21 in the series
• 224 pages, illustrated edition
• Reading age 8-11, grade 3-7 stated

Cons

• New readers should start at Book 1
• Reading age from customers only
• One book against the 10-book set

4

The Last Kids on Earth by Brallier

Max Brallier·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A boy in a monster apocalypse builds a team of friends to take on a fearsome monster; suits readers who like humorous adventure.

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Pros

• Text and black-and-white illustrations across 256 pages
• A team of friends and a quest against monsters suit readers who like humor
• Book 1 of 10 gives a new reader a clear place to start

Cons

• The series runs to Book 10, so a reader who finishes this one will want more
• Reading age is marked as from customers, not stated by the publisher
• The description sets the story in a monster apocalypse with zombies, so preview it for a sensitive reader

5

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Mad Libs

Mad Libs·9.3/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 48-page fill-in-the-blank word game for fans between books.

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Pros

• 21 fill-in-the-blank stories
• 48 pages of word-game play
• Reading age 8-10, grade 3-7 stated

Cons

• An activity book, not a story to read
• Age line says 8 to NUMBER, a placeholder
• Not a reading book for the list

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More picks to compare

• Big Shot by KinneyBook 16 of the series, reading age 8+ from customers, grade 3 to 7.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents, value and the listed age or level. Three picks list an age and grade; two title-only listings state neither. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best books like wimpy kid

Match the reading age to the reader

Three picks state an age and grade: the box set gives 8-10 years with grade 3-7, marked as from customers; The Long Haul gives 8-11 years with grade 3-7; the Mad Libs book gives 8-10 years with grade 3-7. Browse our middle grade books section for more.

Series order matters

The box set holds Books 1 to 10 for a reader starting fresh. The Long Haul is Book 9 of 21; Big Shot in the more picks is Book 16 of 21.

Activity books are not reading books

The Mad Libs pick is a 48-page word game with 21 fill-in-the-blank stories, not a story to read. For another series list, see books like Cirque du Freak.

Before you buy

• Check the edition date: the box set is October 4, 2016; The Long Haul November 4, 2014.
• Confirm series order: the box set starts at Book 1, The Long Haul is Book 9 of 21.
• Match the listed ages to the reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a new reader start with Diary of a Wimpy Kid?

Start at Book 1; the box set holds Books 1 to 10.

What age are these books for?

The box set lists 8-10 years, The Long Haul 8-11 years, both grade 3-7 and marked as from customers.

Is the Mad Libs book a story to read?

No. It is 21 fill-in-the-blank stories across 48 pages, a word game to play.

Still deciding? Our top pickDiary of a Wimpy Kid Box 1-10 by Kinney

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Related lists

See every middle grade books list and all kids and teens books lists.

More lists: books like Cirque du Freak, authors like Judy Blume, young adult books.