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The Ugly Truth (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 5)
Last updated Thursday, June 24, 2021
Author: Jeff Kinney
Date of Publication: 2010
ISBN: 0810984911
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2021
Synopsis:
During summer break, Greg had a big fight with his best friend, Rowley. Now school is back in session, and they have both been hanging out with other friends. Greg suddenly finds himself dealing with the pressures of boy-girl parties, increased responsibilities, and even the awkward changes that come with getting older - all without his best friend, Rowley, at his side. Can Greg make it through on his own? Or will he have to face the "ugly truth"?
| Note to readers: |
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We suggest that you start on page 8 (handwritten page 4). The pages before that talk about how bossy Greg Heffley (the main character) is to his friend Rowley, and who he thinks are candidates for replacement best friend, including comments about urinal usage. You can also skip pages that refer to embarrassing subjects.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Who here has read a "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" book before? What do you remember best from those books?
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What do you think "the ugly truth" in the book title means?
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Have you ever kept a diary or journal?
Vocabulary
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jinx - to cause a person or group to experience bad luck
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lackey - a person who does your dirty work, or who does whatever you ask
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irk - irritate; annoy
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puberty - I would just say "part of growing up" (and not get into details)
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seedy-looking - someone who looks like they might be involved with illegal or bad activities
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Starting with PDF page 8 (handwritten in book, page 4), Greg wants Rowley to save their friendship. Do you think Greg could do something himself to save their friendship?
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Do you think Greg's friends are always having more fun than him? Or does it just look like it in the pictures they post?
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What has Greg learned recently? About friendship? How to apply for jobs? Auditioning for TV commercials? Do you think he should keep trying?
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What do you think about Greg playing a trick on his grandmother? What about the tricks Gammie plays on the family?
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What did Greg and Rowley learn about mending their friendship? What about making other friends, too?
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| Craft ideas: |
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When Greg hits the boardwalk for the summer, he can’t wait to brave the Cranium Shaker. What’s the most awesome amusement park ride you can think of? Does it have big drops and upside downspirals? Maybe it splashes water on people watching! Design your own ride (use the white board or have the kids draw their own on paper at home!
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Make a book cover with a title for your own autobiography. Or draw Greg Heffley and his friend Rowley! YouTube tutorial for drawing Greg is at https://youtu.be/nzyMHe6t7dY or you can check out Pinterest (see link below).
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Father's Day is later this month (June 20th)! Draw a Father's Day card and/or write a letter for you grandfather, father, uncle, or someone in your family.
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Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/june-2021-friendship-fun/
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*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!
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