The Long Haul (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #9) (Volume 9) Hardcover – November 4, 2014

Such a fun book to read and enjoy.

I have been reading the whole series of these books out loud with my 8 and 12 year old at bed time. This one has been our favorite so far! We laughed out loud so many times! There were also some really sweet moments! Great series! We love them all!

The ninth installment of the hilarious Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, The Long Haul features Greg and the rest of the Heffley family embarking on a road trip at the start of summer vacation. But as per usual with the Heffley’s, not everything goes as planned, and the family must face car troubles, wild animals, scummy motels, theft, and much more. Additionally, as the middle child, Greg must also suffer through his older brother’s pranks and his younger brother receiving the most attention.The Long Haul and the rest of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series fall under the genre of realistic fiction graphic novel, with both the writing and illustrations by Jeff Kinney. Kinney has no other books, but also works as a cartoonist and runs a popular children’s gaming website called Poptropica.The illustrations in the series are simple stick figures, black and white, and look as if they are drawn on lined paper. This, along with the large, childish font makes the book truly seem as if the reader is reading Greg’s personal diary (His mother suggested he keep a diary in the first book of the series.) Greg’s perspective and the everyday issues he faces with his family and at school are extremely relatable and comical. Though I would suggest this book for children in grades 4-7, it is funny enough and for parents or older siblings to enjoy as they read alongBecause the drawings are just stick figures outlined in black, it is hard to tell whether multiple cultures and races are being represented. Additionally, the characters that are mainly shown are the five in the Heffley family. I personally think that Kinney is not being prejudice but taking on a Simpsons style illustration where everyone has the same skin tone. As for gender, Greg’s mother is a very stereotypical stay-at-home mom. However, she always has what is best for family at heart, which is what really matters.I used to secretly borrow these books from my younger sister (who also loved them) because it was a little embarrassing for a high-schooler to be reading books geared towards younger children. However, I find the humor to be ageless, and as an older reader I can really see a few important messages that the readers can take away. The first is that family can be a nuisance and a little embarrassing, but in the end they are there for you and you couldn’t live without them. The second message is that middle school can be really tough, but it gets better. The books would definitely assure youth that they are not alone in the issues they face as they grow up and seek independence.

"Pack your bags. We're going on a road trip."Thus begins the 9th book in the Wimpy Kid series. I have a feeling I know what you're thinking. Another Wimpy Kid book? Who wants to read more about the selfish brat also know as Greg Heffley? I mean, let's face it, he isn't the best role model (or even close for that matter). I've cringed many times while reading these books with my son; the way Greg treats his supposed best friend Rowley or the way Rodrick treats Greg. Please, even my kids treat each other better than this (which is a good thing). Of course, my son and I have spoken about Greg's behavior and how he isn't nice to Rowley and only uses him to get what he wants. And I don't deny my son the chance to read something he really enjoys. Anything you read is a chance to learn something, even if the book just teaches you to recognize bad behavior.So, I was hugely surprised to find myself laughing out loud while reading this book to my son. Rowley is absent from this book and I think that helped. The book focuses entirely on Greg and his family and their misadventures. Greg's mom decides that a road trip is an excellent way to bring the family together. It doesn't exactly turn out as she expected, but they still manage to have quite the adventure.I don't want to give anything away, but there is a piglet, crazy seagulls, a water park adventure and many funny driving and motel scenes that many of us can relate to. How many of us have been on a family trip and Dad has to take a work call. Everyone in the car is supposed to be quiet.... Very funny scene!!Recommended to:Any fans of the Wimpy Kid series and even some people who aren't fans. If you like funny family stories where everything that can go wrong does, you will enjoy this book. Think (totally PG) book version of one of the Vacation movies.

Very good

My kid loved it and asked me for the next one in the series.

Even though the Diary of a wimpy kid series is aimed at younger readers; nevertheless, even older adults will find them funny. I just finished reading "The long Haul" and found it very amusing. I am pleased with my purchase.

It’s awesome I mean if I had to tell the truth, I would read it I 100 but there is no hundred at all