The Third Wheel

Seven books into the bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Kinney isn't messing with a good thing, and he continues to mine middle-school life for comedic gold. He doesn't appear to be in danger of running out of material, either, covering everything from school elections and chocolate bar fundraisers ("[A] lot of families like mine had to write a check to the school just to cover the cost of the candy bars their children ate," Greg says. "It's possible that nobody sold a single candy bar") to the traumas of "family-style" restaurants and Bring Your Child to Work Day. Greg even gives readers a glimpse of his (much) younger years, including his memories of life in the womb ("[A]fter being hit by the cold air the blinding lights of the delivery room, I wish I'd just stayed put"). Fans will continue to enjoy Greg's ongoing efforts to come out on top, whether trying to secure a private bathroom stall at school or a date for the Valentine's Day dance. Ages 8%E2%80%9312. Agent: Sylvie Rabineau, RWSG Agency. (Nov.)