Diary of Wimpy Kid: Partypooper by Jeff Kinley - Review by Nolan Ameriks '27

Partypooper, the latest book in the beloved “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, finds Greg Heffley eagerly anticipating his birthday, only to discover that his parents completely forgot the date. The setup swiftly spirals into comedic disaster: a do-over party, ambitious schemes, trading-card dreams, and the familiar Greg-style mayhem.

At its core, Partypooper leans into themes of expectation vs. reality, the sometimes-absurd value we assign to “must-have” items (trading cards, birthday gifts), and the chaos hidden behind seemingly perfect celebrations. Greg’s exaggerated entrepreneurial approach to his party becomes a lens for readers to reflect on what really matters: fun, friendship, and gratitude over flashy toys.

In terms of character writing, Greg remains hilariously self-absorbed, scheming, and prone to misfortune as his flaws deliver the comedic engine. That said, some fans, including many in my own advisory, feel his immaturity is even more pronounced here than in earlier books. Kinney’s signature diary-graphic-novel hybrid format remains intact: simple, expressive cartoon-style illustrations alongside Greg’s narrative voice. The humor is broad, rooted in slapstick, mishaps, and the awkwardness of middle-school life. According to one review, the pacing slows during the buildup to the party, with the full chaotic payoff arriving later in the book. For younger readers ages 8–12 (the target audience), this build-up may allow more time for character moments and incidental humor, though older fans might find portions less tight. I felt that while the do-over party scenario is fun, Greg’s “greedy” focus may make him less sympathetic than usual.

This book works well as a celebratory entry, being the infamous series’ 20th book, with plenty of references and callbacks (shoutout Alex Aruda) for longtime fans. The birthday party set-up gives a clear, relatable anchor and plenty of room for chaos. For readers who enjoy Greg’s misadventures and the series’ comfort-zone humor, this one delivers.

On the flip side, some critics (and fans) feel the central plot takes longer to engage than earlier books, and the “schemes” plotline stretches longer than necessary. As one reader put it: “It felt like there was way too much… filler this time around.” Also, the “get rich quick” mindset of Greg might be less endearing than the more innocent misfortune of his earlier middle school years.

If you’re a fan of the Wimpy Kid series and are reading for humor, familiar characters, and a lively birthday disaster story, Partypooper will hit the spot.

It may not have the freshness of the earliest entries, but it offers a fun ride for middle-grade readers. Parents might appreciate the subtle message about valuing experiences over commodities. However, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, deeply transformative character arc, you might find this one a little lighter than earlier classics. Overall, it's a solid addition to the series, and one should treat it as a comfortable, funny playground of birthday chaos rather than a reinvention of the Wimpy Kid franchise as a whole.