Books like Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson's Journal

A cheerful, doodle-filled romp through middle school as seen through the eyes of the ultimate optimistic sidekick. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson's Journal.

lighthearted
playful
upbeat
silly

01
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Jeff Kinney
A hilarious, highly visual survival guide to the everyday humiliations of middle school.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- humorous
02
The Third Wheel
Jeff Kinney
A hilarious, cringe-filled descent into the high-stakes, low-reward world of middle school romance.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- humorous
03
Dog Man and Cat Kid
Dav Pilkey
A high-octane, laugh-out-loud comic adventure that celebrates teamwork, creativity, and the sheer joy of being a little bit goofy.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- playful
- earnest
- cheerful
04
Cat Kid Comic Club
Dav Pilkey
A wildly inventive, laugh-out-loud celebration of making messy art and finding your own creative voice.
Shares:
- playful
- earnest
05
Tales from a Not-So Friendly Frenemy
Rachel Renée Russell
A hilarious, doodle-filled plunge into the chaotic, high-stakes world of middle school social survival and unexpected alliances.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- earnest
- humorous
06
Best Friends
Shannon Hale
A deeply relatable, visually expressive journey through the emotional rollercoaster of middle school social politics.
Shares:
- earnest
07
How To Dork Your Diary
Rachel Renée Russell
A frantic, doodle-filled scramble through middle school drama that doubles as a creative playground for the reader.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- playful
- upbeat
- earnest
08
Dork Diaries
Rachel Renee Russell
A highly visual, laugh-out-loud survival guide to the chaotic, crush-filled, and deeply embarrassing world of middle school.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- upbeat
- earnest
- humorous
09
Big Nate Lives It Up
Lincoln Peirce
A high-energy, doodle-packed survival guide to the everyday indignities and unexpected triumphs of middle school.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- upbeat
- humorous
10
Judy Moody
Megan McDonald
A spirited, fast-paced romp through the messy, dramatic, and ultimately sweet realities of elementary school friendships.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- playful
- cheerful
- humorous
11
Hello Universe
Erin Entrada Kelly
A tender, fateful collision of lonely orbits that proves even the quietest voices can echo loudly when they finally find their people.
Shares:
- earnest
12
Front Desk
Kelly Yang
A big-hearted, bustling story about a determined girl who uses her voice and her community to fight back against an unfair world.
Shares:
- earnest

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