As a child, I was one of the odd people out. I never liked to read about fantasies, adventures, or just fiction in general. I liked to read books about former Presidents, celebrities, or figures in the media. I could not find a fiction book that I liked because I always thought it was lying to me because fiction is “false” and “untrue” (And yes, I really did think that as a child.” Even with realistic fiction, I could not find a book that simply pleased me.
In the fourth grade, my teacher had a classroom library. She would always put new books in there, both fiction and nonfiction, and the students in the classroom would go searching for a book. One day, I stumbled upon the book Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I read the back of the book to find out a little bit more of the story, and I decided to give this book a chance. As I delved into the book, I could not stop myself from reading it continuously.
The plot was so realistic of what people in middle school and preteens go through. Throughout the story, I was mesmerized by the events that Greg and the characters were going through. My all time favorite part is when everyone thinks Greg has the “Cheese Touch.” This is essentially a moldy piece of cheese that was left on the blacktop outside of school. When Greg and Rowley are forced to eat it, they are able to get out of it.The next day, the cheese is gone, and everyone thinks Greg ate it. By the end of the book, I did not even realize it was the end because it was so good and so realistic.
I know that most people would question: Why did this book shift your thoughts about fiction? Well, I will tell you. The characters seemed like true and authentic people, the situations were things that I have gone through as well (like being in a school’s play), and the author was able to create a fiction book of what a preteen usually goes through. For future authors, they need to create books that children can relate to their own lives. This is important so that children find comfort in reading fiction and nonfiction alike.
-SK
A Novel Idea 
Dear SK,
I laughed when I read that you thought books were, “lying to you.” That is a new one for me. I also enjoyed this book when I was younger because it was pretty realistic. Would you include this book in your classroom?
-MP
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This was one of my favorite books in middle school! I was also shocked at how accurate the author portrayed the middle school experience. I think this book is awesome because it shows how awkward adolescence can be which is important for young people to see. Everyone is in the same boat!
-SG
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