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The Complete List Of Jeff Kinney's Books: Everything You Need To Know About The Wimpy Kid Universe And The 2025 Release

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Jeff Kinney has cemented his legacy as a global phenomenon in children's literature, with his work transcending the traditional book format to become a full-fledged multimedia universe. As of the current date in December 2025, the *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* series stands at 19 main installments, with the 20th highly anticipated release officially announced for next year. The newest, most current information focuses on the recent 2024 release, *Hot Mess*, and the major announcement of the 2025 book, *Partypooper*, continuing the hilarious, relatable misadventures of Greg Heffley. The enduring success of Kinney's books, characterized by their unique blend of handwritten text and simple yet expressive cartoon illustrations, has made them a staple in middle school humor and a gateway for reluctant readers worldwide. His creation is far more than just a book series; it’s a cultural touchstone that includes major motion pictures, animated films, and a highly successful online game, all stemming from the mind of this prolific author and illustrator.

Jeffrey Patrick Kinney: Author, Illustrator, and Game Developer Profile

Jeffrey Patrick Kinney is an American author, cartoonist, producer, and game designer, best known for the beloved *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* series. His career path is unique, as he initially aspired to be a newspaper cartoonist before finding his true calling in children's books.
  • Full Name: Jeffrey Patrick Kinney
  • Born: February 19, 1971
  • Birthplace: Fort Washington, Maryland, U.S.
  • Education: University of Maryland, College Park (where he created the comic strip *Igdoof*)
  • Primary Career: Author, Illustrator, Producer, and Online Game Developer/Designer
  • Other Notable Work: Creator and original designer of the popular children's virtual world website, Poptropica.
  • Residence: Plainville, Massachusetts, where he owns and operates a bookstore called An Unlikely Story.
Kinney's work on the *Wimpy Kid* series began in 1998, but it took nearly a decade for the first book to be published. The series, which has sold hundreds of millions of copies globally, has been translated into over 60 languages, solidifying his status as an international bestselling author.

The Core Saga: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books In Order (2007–2025)

The main *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* series follows the life of Greg Heffley, a perpetually awkward middle schooler who documents his daily trials, triumphs, and hilarious schemes in his journal. This list includes every main-series installment, culminating with the most recent and upcoming releases that keep the franchise fresh and current.

The main series, which is the cornerstone of Jeff Kinney's literary universe, is a must-read for fans of graphic novels and relatable comedy. Each book captures a distinct period in Greg Heffley's life, from elementary school to the chaotic reality of middle school.

  1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007)
  2. Rodrick Rules (2008)
  3. The Last Straw (2009)
  4. Dog Days (2009)
  5. The Ugly Truth (2010)
  6. Cabin Fever (2011)
  7. The Third Wheel (2012)
  8. Hard Luck (2013)
  9. The Long Haul (2014)
  10. Old School (2015)
  11. Double Down (2016)
  12. The Getaway (2017)
  13. The Meltdown (2018)
  14. Wrecking Ball (2019)
  15. The Deep End (2020)
  16. Big Shot (2021)
  17. Diper Överlöde (2022)
  18. No Brainer (2023)
  19. Hot Mess (2024) – The most recent release, centering on Greg’s chaotic summer beach vacation with his extended family at Ruttyneck Island for Gramma’s birthday, which devolves into a massive family feud.
  20. Partypooper (2025) – The officially announced 20th book in the series, scheduled for release on October 21, 2025. The plot is confirmed to revolve around Greg Heffley's birthday and the inevitable chaos that follows.

The Awesome Friendly Kid Spin-Off Series

Jeff Kinney expanded the *Wimpy Kid* universe with a popular spin-off series told from the perspective of Greg Heffley’s best friend, the perpetually optimistic and lovable Rowley Jefferson. These books offer a contrasting, more positive view of their shared middle-school experiences, appealing to fans who enjoy the familiar characters but with a different narrative voice.

Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Books

The spin-off series is a brilliant way to explore the world of Greg Heffley through a different lens, providing a fresh perspective on the familiar settings and characters. Rowley’s journal entries are marked by his unique, uncritical, and genuinely friendly outlook, often resulting in accidental comedy.

  1. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson's Journal (2019)
  2. Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Adventure (2020)
  3. Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories (2021)

Beyond Greg and Rowley: Jeff Kinney's Other Literary Contributions

While the *Wimpy Kid* franchise is his magnum opus, Jeff Kinney has also contributed to other literary projects and created highly successful digital content that showcases his range as a creative entity. His work extends beyond the core graphic novel format.

Supplementary and Companion Books

To further immerse readers in the world of Greg Heffley, Kinney has released a number of companion books, often encouraging creativity and interaction from the fans themselves. These titles are essential for the ultimate fan experience and deepen the topical authority of the franchise.

  • The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book: A blank, interactive journal that prompts readers to write their own stories and draw their own cartoons in the style of Greg Heffley.
  • The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the live-action *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* films, featuring script pages, storyboards, and original production photos.
  • The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: The Next Chapter: A similar companion book focusing on the making of the film adaptation of *The Long Haul*.

The Poptropica Connection and Creative Process

A little-known fact that speaks volumes about Kinney’s influence in children’s media is his role as the creator of the popular online game, Poptropica. Launched in 2007, the same year as the first *Wimpy Kid* book, Poptropica became a massive virtual world for kids. Kinney's background as an online game developer and designer is crucial to understanding his writing style. He often works on his *Wimpy Kid* books at night, balancing his time with his Poptropica responsibilities during the day. This dual career highlights his ability to craft compelling narratives and engaging visual experiences, whether in print or on a screen.

The success of the *Wimpy Kid* series is rooted in Kinney's dedication to his unique writing process. He draws all of the illustrations himself, spending a considerable amount of time perfecting the balance between text and image. The books are not just illustrated novels; they are true graphic novels that rely on the interplay between Greg's diary entries and the cartoons to deliver the humor. This commitment to detail is why the series continues to resonate with children and remains a consistent international bestseller, with new installments like *Hot Mess* and the eagerly awaited *Partypooper* continuing the legacy.

The Complete List of Jeff Kinney's Books: Everything You Need to Know About the Wimpy Kid Universe and the 2025 Release
books by jeff kinney
books by jeff kinney

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