Rodrick Rules Diary of a Wimpy Kid # 2 by Jeff Kinney
Secrets have a way of getting out, especially when a diary is involved.
Whatever you do, don’t ask Greg Heffley how he spent his summer vacation, because he definitely doesn’t want to talk about it.
As Greg enters the new school year, he’s eager to put the past three months behind him . . . and one event in particular.
Unfortunately for Greg, his older brother, Rodrick, knows all about the incident Greg wants to keep under wraps. But secrets have a way of getting out . . . especially when a diary is involved.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules chronicles Greg’s attempts to navigate the hazards of middle school, impress the girls, steer clear of the school talent show, and most important, keep his secret safe.
About Author
Jeff Kinney is an author of children’s books including Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series. Jeff was born in College Park, Maryland, in 1971 where he created a comic strip called “Igdoof.”He also created the children’s website ‘Poptropica’.
Book Review: Rodrick Rules (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #2) by Jeff Kinney
Fun Sequel but Missing the Original Spark
Let’s be honest—Rodrick Rules still has all the ingredients that made Diary of a Wimpy Kid so fun: Greg is as clueless and hilarious as ever, the illustrations are just as sharp, and Kinney’s knack for capturing middle-school life is still on point. But if you’re looking for that fresh charm and magic of the first book, you might feel like this one falls a bit short.
The Same Greg, Slightly Different Vibe
Greg’s antics are just as funny here, and the sibling rivalry with his older brother Rodrick adds a new layer of humor. But there’s a sense that some of the spontaneity from Diary of a Wimpy Kid isn’t quite there. This time, the storyline is more focused on Greg and Rodrick’s love-hate relationship, which brings some laughs but can also feel repetitive. It’s almost like the book is more of a “continuation” rather than a new adventure.
Illustrations? Still Top-Notch
The illustrations are still top-tier and make every scene funnier. Kinney’s doodles capture the exact expressions and little visual gags that give the book its unique style. Even when the story feels like it’s coasting, the illustrations do some serious heavy lifting to keep the pages turning and the laughs rolling.
Final Thoughts
Rodrick Rules is still a fun, lighthearted read, and it’s worth checking out if you love Greg Heffley and his quirky view of the world. It’s just that the sequel doesn’t quite capture the same thrill of the first book. If you’re a fan, you’ll enjoy it, but if you’re looking for that same “wow” factor, it might feel like Greg’s antics are a little less magical this time around.
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Shabana Mukhtar