If you’ve ever been around a child aged 7 to 12, you’ve likely encountered the literary phenomenon created by Jeff Kinney, the ever-relatable Greg Heffley—the quintessential Wimpy Kid. Greg embodies the struggles of middle school, navigating life as a middle child, and grappling with his not-so-stellar social status. When he’s not busy critiquing his nerdy best friend Rowley, he’s dealing with the ups and downs of being a kid (including something called The Cheese—you’ll have to read to find out).
While Greg may not always have the best luck, the author and illustrator Kinney has certainly triumphed. With eight books in the series (excluding the DIY book and movie diary), his work has consistently topped bestseller lists, with over 115 million copies sold worldwide. The latest installment, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck, sold over 1.3 million copies in its first week alone, firmly placing Greg Heffley in the same league as Harry Potter.
During a casual chat, Kinney took some time to speak with my son, Max, who is a devoted Wimpy Kid fan. Kinney engaged with Max just as his books resonate with millions of kids: with humor, respect, and an acknowledgment of their curiosity. Below is their conversation, with Max crafting the questions (except for the rapid-fire round). Important characters to know include Rowley, Greg’s loyal friend; Rodrick, the rebellious older brother; Manny, the crafty little brother; Uncle Gary, the laid-back uncle moving in with the Heffleys; Bryce Anderson, the effortlessly popular kid; and Lil Cutie, a comic character Greg finds thoroughly embarrassing.
Interview Transcript
Max: Hi, Mr. Kinney! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me. I’m 8 years old and in third grade. I really love your books! My friends are super jealous that I get to talk to you today.
Jeff Kinney: Hi there! I’m glad to chat with you.
Max: What do you think Rowley would say if he was interviewing you?
Jeff Kinney: Oh boy, Rowley would probably ask why he’s stuck in middle school for so long and how he can escape!
Max: Do you think you might write a book where Greg has better luck? Like, maybe a cute girl might ask him out?
Jeff Kinney: I don’t think so! You might get a girlfriend before Greg does. It’s more fun for him to have bad luck.
Max: That’s true! Could Greg’s luck get worse, maybe?
Jeff Kinney: Well, you’ll find out in this book. I really pile on the problems for Greg—it’s funnier that way!
Max: What’s your favorite book?
Jeff Kinney: I like them all, honestly.
Max: Are they going on a road trip in the next book?
Jeff Kinney: Yes! It’s called The Long Haul, and all five Heffleys are in every scene unlike in my other books.
Max: Do you think Manny will ever get in trouble?
Jeff Kinney: Does your younger sibling get in trouble?
Max: Yeah, my sister gets in trouble too!
Jeff Kinney: Interesting. I thought little siblings never get in trouble!
Max: What do you think Rodrick’s popularity level is?
Jeff Kinney: Rodrick is probably in the middle, maybe a bit higher than Greg. Juvenile delinquents tend to be more popular!
Max: What about Bryce Anderson? Why is he so popular?
Jeff Kinney: There’s always that one kid who seems to have it all. I was never that kid, which is why I created Bryce.
Max: Do you think Greg and his dad don’t get along because Greg reminds him of his younger self?
Jeff Kinney: Exactly! I think there’s a bit of friction there.
Max: Why do girls only play “Girls Chase Boys” with the popular kids?
Jeff Kinney: That’s just a reality of being a kid. It happened to me too when I was younger.
Max: What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve ever done?
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In summary, this delightful interview highlights the relatable charm of Jeff Kinney’s characters through the eyes of a young fan. The conversation is filled with humor and insight, showcasing the bond between generations of readers and the stories that resonate with them.