11 Books Like Dork Diaries
If you’re a fan of the hilarious misadventures found in the ‘Dork Diaries’ series, then you’re in luck!
Dive into this list as we explore a range of books that capture the same charm, humor, and relatable moments that made ‘Dork Diaries’ a hit among readers of all ages.
Let’s go.
Books Like Dork Diaries
1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
This book series follows the adventures and misadventures of Greg Heffley, a clever and slightly lazy middle school student who navigates the complexities of school, family life, and friendships through his journal entries.
Greg’s humorous observations and the illustrations that accompany his diary entries make for a highly entertaining and relatable read for children and tweens.
The series is known for its engaging storytelling, unique blend of text and cartoons, and its ability to capture the awkward moments of growing up.
Major Similarities:
Like “Dork Diaries,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is presented in a diary format, complete with hand-drawn illustrations that bring the protagonist’s stories and mishaps to life.
Both series tackle themes relevant to middle school students, such as friendship, social status, and family dynamics, making them relatable to a similar age group.
The use of humor and a first-person narrative style also makes both series appealing to readers looking for fun, engaging stories about the trials and tribulations of school life.
2. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
This book introduces Rafe Khatchadorian, who sets out to break every single rule in his school’s oppressive Code of Conduct. With a blend of text and dynamic illustrations, the story captures Rafe’s imaginative and often hilarious rebellion against middle school life.
The narrative dives deep into themes of creativity, fitting in, and the struggle to find one’s place in a confusing world.
Major Similarities:
“Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life” shares with “Dork Diaries” a first-person narrative that vividly brings to life the inner thoughts and feelings of a middle school protagonist.
Both books use a mix of text and illustrations to engage readers and make the story more accessible.
Themes of navigating school life, dealing with bullies, and the quest for identity are central to both, resonating with readers who enjoy stories about the personal growth and challenges faced by young adolescents.
3. The Popularity Papers by Amy Ignatow
This series follows two best friends, Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang, as they attempt to understand what makes someone popular.
Through their experiments and observations, documented in a scrapbook-style format with notes, doodles, and comic panels, they explore friendship, the dynamics of middle school, and the importance of being true to oneself.
The story is as much about the highs and lows of friendship as it is about the quest for popularity.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “Dork Diaries,” “The Popularity Papers” is told through a unique visual format that combines text with illustrations, making it engaging for readers. Both series explore the social landscape of middle school, including friendship dynamics, the desire for popularity, and the challenges of self-discovery.
The humorous and sometimes poignant reflections of the protagonists offer a realistic and relatable look at the complexities of adolescent life.
4. Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis
In this book, readers meet Timmy Failure, an ambitious and confidently clueless detective with a polar bear sidekick. Together, they run the “best” detective agency in town, despite a series of comical misunderstandings and misadventures.
The story is told through Timmy’s diary entries, filled with humor, irony, and the occasional insight into the life of a uniquely imaginative child navigating both personal and academic challenges.
Major Similarities:
“Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made” shares with “Dork Diaries” a humorous and candid first-person narrative that captures the essence of being an imaginative and misunderstood child. Both series feature diary entries that include drawings, adding a visual dimension that enhances the storytelling.
The themes of friendship, the struggle for recognition, and the often humorous gap between aspirations and reality are present in both, appealing to readers who enjoy stories with a mix of humor and heart.
5. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
This novel features a group of sixth graders who try to unravel the mystery behind a classmate’s origami Yoda finger puppet, which seems to possess wisdom beyond its years and offers advice that actually works.
Told through a collection of different perspectives, including case files, notes, and doodles, the story combines humor with the challenges of middle school life, such as fitting in and understanding others.
Major Similarities:
Like “Dork Diaries,” “The Strange Case of Origami Yoda” uses a creative format to tell its story, blending traditional narrative with illustrations and various textual elements to engage readers.
Both books delve into the social dynamics of school, including the quest for acceptance and the value of friendship. The use of humor to navigate the ups and downs of adolescence is a key similarity, making both series relatable and entertaining for middle-grade readers.
6. Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel by Ruth McNally Barshaw
This engaging book introduces readers to Ellie McDoodle, a young girl who journals her experiences when she’s forced to go camping with her relatives, using a blend of sketches, doodles, and written observations.
Ellie’s journal captures the humor, frustrations, and discoveries of dealing with annoying cousins, new friendships, and outdoor adventures. It’s a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, personal growth, and the power of creativity.
Major Similarities:
Much like “Dork Diaries,” “Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel” is presented through the eyes of a young protagonist using a diary format enriched with drawings and doodles, making the narrative visually appealing and dynamic.
Both series deal with the themes of navigating social and family life, the challenges of adolescence, and the importance of self-expression through art and writing. The humorous and sometimes poignant storytelling connects with readers looking for authentic, relatable characters.
7. Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall
This series follows two unlikely friends, Ivy and Bean, who discover that they can have fun together despite their very different personalities. Ivy is quiet and has a great imagination, while Bean is outgoing and adventurous.
Together, they find themselves in various mischief and adventures, learning about friendship and the world around them. The books are known for their humor, heartwarming tales, and the delightful illustrations that accompany the stories.
Major Similarities:
Like “Dork Diaries,” “Ivy + Bean” focuses on themes of friendship and the adventures that come with it. Both series target a similar demographic, appealing to young readers through their engaging stories and relatable characters.
While “Ivy + Bean” is aimed at a slightly younger audience, it shares the lighthearted and humorous approach to storytelling found in “Dork Diaries,” along with a focus on the dynamics of friendship and the importance of accepting differences.
8. My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian
Derek Fallon finds a way to make summer vacation more interesting by using his imagination and a bit of mischief. As he encounters various adventures and misadventures, he also discovers the joy of reading and the power of storytelling.
The book cleverly integrates vocabulary words and visual elements, making it educational as well as entertaining. Derek’s journey is one of self-discovery, family bonds, and the realization that stories can be found everywhere.
Major Similarities:
“My Life as a Book” shares with “Dork Diaries” a light-hearted and engaging narrative style, with illustrations that complement the text and add depth to the storytelling.
Both protagonists navigate the challenges of their everyday lives with humor and a bit of mischief, making their stories relatable to middle-grade readers. Themes of self-discovery, the importance of family, and the transformative power of literature and creativity are central to both books.
9. Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls by Meg Cabot
Allie Finkle is a spunky and smart fourth-grader who navigates the complexities of friendship, school, and family life. Her story is told through her perspective, as she creates rules for dealing with the many situations life throws her way.
The series is filled with humor, heart, and the kind of wisdom that young readers can relate to and learn from. Allie’s adventures and insights make for a delightful and engaging read.
Major Similarities:
Like “Dork Diaries,” “Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls” focuses on the everyday challenges and triumphs of a young girl navigating the social landscape of school and family. Both series are told from the first-person perspective, offering an intimate and relatable view of the protagonist’s thoughts and feelings.
The emphasis on friendship, personal growth, and the humorous take on the trials of adolescence are key similarities, appealing to readers who enjoy stories of personal development and social dynamics.
10. Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight
Frankie Pickle is a young boy with a wild imagination that turns his everyday life into extraordinary adventures. When faced with the task of cleaning his disastrously messy room, Frankie imagines himself as a hero in various scenarios, from exploring dungeons to battling monsters.
The book combines traditional text with graphic novel sections, making it a unique and engaging read for young readers.
Major Similarities:
“Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom” and “Dork Diaries” share a creative blend of written narrative and visual storytelling, appealing to readers who enjoy the dynamic interplay of text and illustrations. Both series highlight the importance of imagination in dealing with everyday challenges and adventures.
While “Dork Diaries” focuses on a female protagonist and her social environment, “Frankie Pickle” offers a similar but more adventure-focused perspective, both emphasizing humor, creativity, and the trials of growing up.
11. Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Clementine is a spirited and imaginative third-grader who often finds herself in the middle of unintentional mischief. Despite her best intentions, her actions frequently lead to misunderstandings and comical situations.
Through the series, readers get to know Clementine’s perspective on family, school, and friendship, all told with a great deal of warmth, humor, and empathy. The illustrations throughout the books add charm and appeal, making Clementine’s world come alive.
Major Similarities:
“Clementine” shares with “Dork Diaries” a strong, character-driven narrative that explores the life and challenges of a young protagonist.
Both series are celebrated for their humorous take on the trials of elementary and middle school life, including issues related to friends, family, and self-identity.
Clementine, like Nikki from “Dork Diaries,” possesses a unique voice that captures the essence of being young and trying to navigate the complexities of the world with optimism and resilience. The inclusion of illustrations in both series enhances the storytelling, making the books accessible and engaging for young readers.
