The Wippiness Wars have escalated. Greg's father just can't accept that this son is an inveterate wimp. To cure him, Dad signs him up for organized, "manly" sports. When that doesn't work, he threatens use of the ultimate weapon: an involuntary stint at military academy. The threat makes our favorite wimp realize that if he doesn't shape up, he will be literally shipping out!
Publishers Weekly
The third book in this genre-busting series is certain to enlarge Kinney's presence on the bestseller lists, where the previous titles have taken up residence for the past two years. Kinney's spot-on humor and winning formula of deadpan text set against cartoons are back in full force. This time, Greg starts off on New Year's Day (he resolves to "help other people improve," telling his mother, "I think you should work on chewing your potato chips more quietly") and ends with summer vacation. As he fends off his father's attempts to make him more of a man (the threat of military school looms), Greg's hapless adventures include handing out anonymous valentines expressing his true feelings ("Dear James, You smell"), attempting to impress his classmate Holly and single-handedly wrecking his soccer team's perfect season. Kinney allows himself some insider humor as well, with Greg noting the "racket" children's book authors have going. "All you have to do is make up a character with a snappy name, and then make sure the character learns a lesson at the end of the book." Greg, self-centered as ever, may be the exception proving that rule. Ages 8-12.
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School Library Journal
Gr 4-8
Greg Heffley's crazy antics continue in this latest installment in the series. Kinney portrays humorous and touching family dynamics between the boy and his competitive father, whom he seems to disappoint numerous times. The fast-paced narrative successfully balances Greg's home and school life, revealing an egocentric yet lovable character. As in the previous books, cartoons and journal entries blend seamlessly to convey Greg's middle school angst. His uncanny ability to fall into amusing predicaments will win even more converts to this popular series. His witty voice coupled with memorable characterization will have this offering flying off the shelves.-Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC
MARCH 2010 - AudioFile
The third book in Kinney's popular series opens with Greg's New Year's resolution: Since he's already perfect, he'll focus on helping other people address their character flaws. (And he's surprised by their negative reactions to his helpful suggestions.) Though some older listeners may tire of the smart-aleck boy humor evident here, narrator Ramon de Ocampo does not: He brings as much energy to his lively characterization of Greg as he did in the first book. De Ocampo's tone (smart-alecky yet clueless) and his depictions of Greg fumbling his way through playing soccer badly, getting a merit badge in Boy Scouts, and having a first crush are sure to delight the boys who are so clearly Kinney's audience. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine
