This ‘diary’ in Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a journal kept by a middle school kid named Greg Heffley, mostly about his everyday attempts in climbing up that ‘popularity ladder’. This children’s novel is the first book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, written and illustrated by American author and cartoonist Jeff Kinney. 

How would you describe Greg as a person, and to what extent do you find him a good or bad kid? On the other hand, what are some of the qualities or impressions that you hope others will associate with you? 

Why does Greg desperately yearn to be popular in school? In your opinion, what are the characteristics or behaviours that can make someone popular? How does popularity influence someone’s behaviour? How important is being popular to you?

A game called the Cheese Touch was played by Greg and his friends in school. Why do you think this game got started? How will you react if you get the Cheese Touch?

The novel includes scenes on bullying in school as well. What are some of the forms of bullying, and what are their intentions? How should victims, bystanders and authorities deal with it? 

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is now available in 61 languages, with more than 200 million books sold globally. What are some of the elements in this book that enables it to be so popular across different cultures? Did you enjoy reading it, and why?