Book review: Old School

See, that's the problem with putting too much stock in the old days. You remember all the GOOD stuff, but you forget about the time you got spanked by your best friend's mom.

Release date: November 3, 2015

This review of my first ever Wimpy Kid book was written March 2023. My opinions and format have changed drastically.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid was published on February 4, 2008 by Amulet Books Australia, for the first time, selling over 275 million copies. It had 224 pages and was sold for 8 dollars.

On November 3, 2015, Amulet Books Australia published Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School which was the 10th book in the series. It had 244 pages and was sold for 8 dollars. Four to five years later, I would end up discovering the Wimpy World thanks to that book.

Old School is a book showing the struggles of students and kids aged 15 not using devices. Susan Heffley has managed to get 50 signatures for a petition to “log off to reconnect.” Jeff Kinney’s purpose of making Old School was rebooting the Wimpy Kid books in a new beginning, with many differences from past books. Like always, in almost every book, Jeff Kinney also tried making this as relatable as possible. 

 

Book 10 looked very interesting to me as a kindergartener. I did not care about how long the book was, but when I read it, it didn’t disappoint.

I enjoyed how Jeff Kinney tried changing up a little bit, as Book 9 The Long Haul was about a family trip. This one is about camping, no technology, stories and myths you find it hard to believe, and that’s not something you find in a Wimpy Kid book.

This book is very relatable for many people aged 9-15, and you can relate to the cover which features Greg confused on how to use a cassette player from the circa 90s-2000s.

BUT-BUT-BUT- yes, there is a butt. There were a few minor setbacks in this book.

After watching Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3: Dog Days, then reading this book, it makes me disappointed seeing Frank funny or social with his kids was only in the movies.

After watching Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules and reading the original book, Rodrick appears almost zero times in this book. And that’s bad news, due to the Wimpy Kid community all gathering together and deciding that Rodrick DOES rule.

This book is mainly scattered all over the place, fun but boring to read. At the same time if it wasn't for this book I wouldn’t be a fan of the Wimpy Kid universe. This book deserves a 4 star.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School is a great book for readers who like an adventure with a fresh hint of relatable humor. If you think you should read it, it’s your choice.

4 years later I would end up re-discovering the Wimpy Kid, and becoming a major fanatic.

Rating (old): 4/5

Rating (Feb 2024): 5/5