Book Review: Partypooper (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #20)
Growing up, the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series was somewhat like my childhood companion. Each book felt like a new adventure, chronicling the awkwardness and hilarity of middle school life through the eyes of Greg Heffley, the protagonist we all could relate to on some level. Fast forward to today, and I still find myself eagerly awaiting the latest installment. This year, I was thrilled to dive into "Partypooper," the 20th book in the series penned by the ever-talented Jeff Kinney. But does this milestone book recapture the charm of the earlier entries, or is it a wacky detour?
In "Partypooper," Kinney once again puts Greg at the center of a chaotic life event—this time, his birthday. After his parents forget the occasion, Greg’s mom plans a huge party to make up for it. Yet, true to form, chaos ensues. The descriptions are delightfully vivid and the illustrations, while still fun, lean a bit too heavily on exaggerated features—seriously, did half the characters’ heads shrink, leaving just their noses?
One of the standout aspects of this book is its pacing. Unlike earlier modern installments that felt rushed, "Partypooper" manages to craft a cohesive story that maintains reader engagement throughout. Kinney balances humor and emotion well, offering genuine laughs alongside relatable moments. It was a pleasant surprise to see that the entire plot felt connected rather than a mere collection of silly incidents.
However, not all is perfect in this birthday saga. The wackiness at times feels excessive, with scenarios that stretch credibility to its limits. I couldn’t help but reminisce about the series’ early days when the humor was grounded in the realism of school life. Instead of relatable childhood dilemmas, we get zany escapades that, while entertaining, risk alienating older fans who cherish the series for its authentic representation of awkwardness.
But what truly vexed me was the character of Greg’s mother, Susan. Once a sympathetic figure trying to connect with her kids, she has transformed into an utterly insufferable character who seems to relish in drama. Her relentless narcissism overshadowed much of the joy that the story could have delivered. It left me wondering how Kinney intended readers to connect with her when she consistently drags everyone else down.
Despite some shortcomings, "Partypooper" wraps up on an unexpectedly positive note. Unlike many recent entries that reset everything back to square one, this installment grants Greg a moment of genuine happiness—something fans will appreciate.
In the end, "Partypooper" is an enjoyable read for kids and those of us nostalgic for the series, although it may not evoke the same magic of the originals. If you’re a fan of juvenile literature or need a chuckle while reminiscing about your own childhood antics, this book will serve you well. Sure, it has its hiccups, but who am I to turn down an adventure with Greg and his chaotic life? After all, I’ll always have a soft spot for these books that shaped my childhood journey.
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or a parent looking for an engaging read for your child, "Partypooper" will find a place on your bookshelf—just maybe not front and center.
Discover more about Partypooper (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #20) on GoodReads >>