This post was originally published on Audible.com.
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney has taken the world of middle grade books by storm, with 15 novels to date—not to mention the numerous spin-off stories, merchandise, and four successful movie adaptations. These series and standalone novels explore similar themes, such as middle school misadventures, dealing with family and friends, and the awkwardness of growing up. And they feature resourceful and plucky, if slightly nerdy and often hapless, leading characters like Greg Heffley. Here’s the list!
Timmy Failure series by Stephan Pastis
Written and drawn by best-selling cartoonist Stephan Pastis, creator of Pearls Before Swine, this series stars Timmy, a kid who wants to distinguish himself by becoming a detective. To pursue this endeavor, he launches his own investigative agency—but his cases aren’t just about kid stuff, and he often winds up, much like Greg Heffley, bumbling his way through. But with the help of his polar bear sidekick, Total, Timmy is always on the case, whether it's finding the school's missing globe, handling an international incident, or just dealing with academic probation. Brilliantly narrated by Jared Goldsmith, this offbeat and hilarious seven-book series was recently adapted into a major motion picture for Disney+.
The Last Kids on Earth series by Max Brallier
For more listens like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid but with a speculative twist, pick up this fun and hilarious series about Jack, who’s managing life in the apocalypse the best he can in his tree house, with provisions he’s scrounged up from abandoned stores. But the zombies, Wringed Wretches, and Vine Thingies that have taken over his town are relentless, and Jack needs help if he's to survive! Reaching out to his best friend, his former school bully, his crush, and his pet monster, he assembles a team to take on the creatures—including an especially scary and smart new monster—that have invaded their town. Audiobook veteran Robbie Daymond narrates this seven-book series. Bonus: The Last Kids on Earth is the basis of an animated series on Netflix.
The Terrible Two series by Mac Barnett and Jory John
Miles Murphy has the best life—great home, great friends, and an enviable reputation as his town's top prankster. So, when he learns that his family is moving to a ho-hum town famous for cows, he's not exactly thrilled. He's even more upset to learn that his new home already has a resident prankster: Niles. Miles is determined to outwit Niles and secure his place as prime prankster in his new town. The battle of pranks takes off strong—but what if Miles and Niles team up to become an unstoppable duo? Narrated by Adam Verner, this four-book series brings the laughs and the hijinks of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid—and a duo who might just remind listeners of Greg and his best friend, Rowley.
Origami Yoda series by Tom Angleberger
Kids who love both the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the Star Wars franchise will really love the Origami Yoda series! Dwight is the class oddball, and he does a lot of weird things that sometimes make him into a bit of a loner. But one thing he does that's really cool is fold amazing origami. One day, he folds a little green origami Yoda and begins speaking for it...or is the Yoda speaking through Dwight? Either way, Origami Yoda dispenses valuable advice that the whole class begins to pay attention to. But can Origami Yoda help Dwight's secret crush see him as more than just the class goofball? This six-book series is performed by a full cast of narrators, including the author, and has fun origami instructions for all of the Star Wars characters featured.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Winner of the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Author Award, New Kid was also a 2020 Audie Awards Finalist and named an Audible Book of the Year. A cast of all-star narrators tells the story of Jordan, who loves drawing cartoons and dreams of being a professional artist some day. But instead of appreciating his talents and sending him to art school, Jordan's parents send him to an elite middle school with a focus on academics. It's not easy being the new kid at this school, even more so when he's the only kid of color and has to travel to a different neighborhood for school. Somehow, Jordan has to figure out how to succeed in his new school while also maintaining his friendships at home—and, of course, his beloved artwork. Not only is this audiobook a full-cast production, but it also includes sound effects and original music! The sequel, Class Act, was released at the start of 2021.
The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez
Malú (Maria Luisa, if you want to annoy her) is not happy when her mom gets a new job in Chicago, far away from New York, the city she loves, and from her dad too. But she doesn't have any say in the matter, and before she knows it, she's moving into a new home and starting a new school. Malú creates zines and immerses herself in punk culture to cope, especially when her new school proves to be not-so-welcoming. A minor dress code infraction puts her on the path to connecting with other middle school misfits and punk rock fans. As an act of protest, they decide to form a band and perform at their school. But when the school bars them from playing, they have to get creative! Like Greg Heffley, Malú is a crafty kid, and she also thinks up clever solutions to rules she doesn't agree with. Narrated by Trini Alvarado, this standalone novel really rocks!
Big Nate series by Lincoln Peirce
Like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, the Big Nate series is all about navigating the blunders on the way to growing up. Nate is destined for big things, but first he has to survive school, homelife, and all the trouble that comes his way. Whether it's competing with his all-time nemesis, being dethroned as the most popular guy in his Boy Scout troop, or engaging in an epic ice sculpture competition with his friends, Nate always gives it his all. The format of this eight-book series is very similar to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid stories, and all of the books are narrated by Fred Berman. Bonus: Big Nate is coming to Nickelodeon as an animated series, so the same book-to-screen crossover appeal is there!
Tirzah Price is a librarian, writer, and contributing editor at Book Riot. If she's not reading, she's usually knitting and listening to an audiobook.
