One of the popular trends these days is to write children books in the form of a journal. What are the advantages of this format and why are they so popular? I think there are several reasons that create a love for these type of books. This is a great way to help connect with the reader. Experiences and emotions are shared more intimately and felt stronger. It is an easier read for a reluctant reader because the pages aren't so dense with words. And lastly it helps with the showing of time that passes during a story. There is one challenge of writing in a journal or diary format is the showing vs. telling dilemma. It’s easy to describe an event you are writing to “tell” it to someone and possibly more challenging to “show” actions that allow the reader opportunities to construct their own interpretation. However, trying out a different form of writing could bring a new energy to your story.
When I first read Diary of a Wimpy Kid, I wasn't a huge fan. Why is this so popular with the kids? Why çan't I keep any of these books on the library shelf? But then I read on and realized that what the author Jeff Kinney is really trying to relay is life. Real life. Real experiences. Real problems in a funny humorous way written from the point of view of a young boy. Brilliant, one might say. So my son powered through this whole series in about two weeks period of time and just loved them. Kinney really does a masterful job of making the mundane life of boys on the brink of adolescence hilarious. While this book is really for boys grades 4-7th, some of my younger students are enjoying them too.
Now there is a market for these type of comic style books written in journal form. Dork Diaries by Renee Russell is another series but for girls. While I'm not a big fan of this series it might work for a reluctant reader. Most recently I just finished reading Justin Case: School, Drool, and other Daily Disasters by Rachel Vail. This is about a young boy Justin Krzeszewski, a third grader, who has many worries, still plays with his stuffed animals, and is a sensitive introverted kid. The opposite from Greg Heffley. Justin is a full blown worrywart but wants to do the right thing and be a good student. He also wants to make friends. What makes this story different from the others is that it shows the feelings of a young boy who is a bit more sensitive than others and how he navigates through the roller coaster of family and school life. Once again all these books are really just about growing up, making the right choices and becoming braver.
Comic Style Books:
Babymouse by Jennifer HolmLunch Lady by Jarrett Krosoczka
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
Big Nate by Lincoln Pierce
Dork Diaries by Rachel Russell
Diary of Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Justin Case by Rachel Vail
Alvin Ho by Lenore Look
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