Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (Book 3)



Last updated Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Author: Jeff Kinney
Date of Publication: 2009
ISBN: 0810970686
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2016

Synopsis: Let's face it: Greg Heffley will never change his wimpy ways. Somebody just needs to explain that to Greg's father. You see, Frank Heffley actually thinks he can get his son to toughen up, and he enlists Greg in organized sports and other "manly" endeavors. Of course, Greg is able to easily sidestep his father's efforts to change him. But when Greg's dad threatens to send him to military academy, Greg realizes he has to shape up . . . or get shipped out. This highly anticipated third book in the critically acclaimed and bestselling series takes the art of being wimpy to a whole new level.

Note to readers:
•  Vocabulary: buttering--to praise or compliment someone a lot; racket--a loud, unpleasant noise; levitate--rise or hover in the air by magical power; pandemonium-- a place or scene of utter chaos

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is a diary?(a daily log of things that happen)
•  Do you keep a diary of things that happen to you? Why or why not?
•  What do you think "Last Straw" means? (it is the thing that finally makes you angrier than you've ever been)

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Is Gregg nice to his best friend? Why is important to be nice to your friends and family?
•  Did you make a New Year's resolution?
•  How would you handle bullies?

Craft ideas:
•  Write your own book with pictures.
•  Create your own diary or cartoon diary?
•  Make a cartoon stick figure of yourself doing something fun this summer.
•  Check out our July craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2016/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!