Partypooper

Diary of a Wimpy Kid #20

by Jeff Kinney

It’s Greg’s birthday—and you’re invited to the chaos. In Partypooper, the 20th book in Jeff Kinney’s global smash-hit Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is planning the ultimate party—for himself.

But when the guest list grows, the decorations flop, and the surprises backfire, this birthday bash turns into a total blowout—just not the kind Greg had in mind.

Packed with cake disasters, family fiascos, and classic Wimpy Kid humor, this book is perfect for readers ages 8–12.

Collect all the books in the #1 bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid Diary of a Wimpy Kid (#1) | Rodrick Rules (#2) | The Last Straw (#3) | Dog Days (#4) | The Ugly Truth (#5) | Cabin Fever (#6) | The Third Wheel (#7) | Hard Luck (#8) | The Long Haul (#9) | Old School (#10) | Double Down (#11) | The Getaway (#12) | The Meltdown (#13) | Wrecking Ball (#14) | The Deep End (#15) | Big Shot (#16) | Diper Överlöde (#17) | No Brainer (#18) | Hot Mess (#19) | Partypooper (#20)

See the Wimpy Kid World in a whole new way with the #1 bestselling Awesome Friendly books, told from the perspective of Greg Heffley’s best friend Rowley Diary of an Awesome Friendly Rowley Jefferson’s Journal | Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure | Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Humor, Childrens, Graphic Novels, Realistic Fiction, Comics

Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2025

About the author

Jeff Kinney is an author of children's books including Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series. Jeff was born in College Park, Maryland, in 1971 where he created a comic strip called "Igdoof."He also created the children's website 'Poptropica'.

Reviews

[scarlett (malcolm todd ver) · Rating 4 out of 5]

haha this one was good, i really like the plot and how you think he wins at the end but of course he doesn’t.

he never does

[Samuel Aitkenhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy 18th birthday greg heffley 🎉

[Fred Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? Quick, easy, fun read which is why this 79 year old has enjoyed the entire series. Middle school was (is) tough but interesting to revisit those days. This one is way over "Greg focused", I usually enjoy more interaction with family members and friends. This may be to zero in on exactly how self centered he is. If so, it works.

Amusing tale with interesting twists. Interesting side eye from someone like me who hates junk fees and watches with some amusement as Greg comes up with a bunch of them - all in search of a collectible card.

Fun time, as usual. Enjoy.

[Brooke Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read these every year for the nostalgia and nothing else.

[Simon David Dressler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ich hatte mich vor dem Lesen gefragt, wie Jeff Kinney wohl mit dem Problem umgehen würde, dass Greg nicht altern darf, aber das hier halt das fucking 20. Buch der Reihe ist, vor allem weil es ja immernoch in Tagebuch-Form ist. Die Antwort ist: Er geht gar nicht damit um, es wird einfach ignoriert, was ein bisschen lustig ist. Ansonsten ist Greg nicht mehr ganz so soziopathisch drauf, er ist fast ein bisschen woke geworden (WÜÜÜÜRG DIE GRÜÜÜNEN!!!), aber im Großen und Ganzen ist alles relativ gleich geblieben, und irgendwie ist das fast ein bisschen sympathisch, dass für Jeff Kinney einfach damals die Zeit stehen geblieben ist und er eine Gelddruckmaschine in seinem Haus gefunden hat.

[Samantha Buchheit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm the 3rd review of this book (guessing Goodreads just hasn't updated, lol)!! I saw that Jeff Kinney is coming to a location near-ish me for his tour, but I'm a Children's Librarian and we have Juvenile Book Club (a group where we've read multiple DOAWK books and watched the movies) that day!

I must say, I really convinced myself that Greg would actually age in this one! It would've been the perfect moment, with it being the 20th book and, of course, the whole birthday plot. I think the plot was pretty unique to the series, and the last 50-100 pages were the most engaging. Susan's attempt to save face with the mayonnaise cake was my favorite. You could say that scene really takes the cake... I can't wait to see what's in store for him since the author has hit this exciting milestone.

Greg is kinda a jerk but he will always have a special place in my heart as one of the most iconic childhood characters and the only character I own memorabilia for (t-shirt, hat, Clue game, etc.) I have fond memories of reading the books with family members, working on the two Do-It-Yourself journals I still have, and seeing the movies in the theaters. I was only five when the very first book came out, but I probably started reading them within a year or two after that until middle school, and I got back into them in recent years. I love seeing the excitement kids still have for the series. A couple kids at the library yesterday were so surprised seeing it in my hands since it hadn't come out yet. Long live Greg Heffley!

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure why I have a soft spot for this series, Greg Heffley's narcissism annoys me to no end.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this book brought the series back to its original roots, which was so refreshing. I would've liked to see more from the other characters (Rowley, Rodrick, Manny, etc.) but I think everyone got a good little feature amidst Greg's typical self-centered adventure. It's good to see the series back in action. Happy birthday Greg!

[Brandon Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Wanna check each other for ticks?”

[Ash says Free Palestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe ol' Jeff's still writing these lol

I think this one is my favorite of the newer books in the series (I quit reading these as a kid around #9. I only started again because nostalgia). The plot was solid and didn't feel like it was lingering, nor did it feel aimless or like you were waiting for something interesting to happen. And it was nice to see Greg finally (kinda) win for once at the end.

My one (minor) critique is that I don't buy that Susan Heffley would forget her son's birthday. Frank? Yeah. But SUSAN? The parent who dotes on her boys?! I'm aware this was needed to help move the plot along lol and it didn't ruin the story or anything for me, just something I was thinking about.

[Shadyside Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book proves that Jeff Kinney’s still got it! This book felt very well executed compared to the others. We got a bunch of (relatable) birthday jokes up until about page 50. This is where the plot took place, which felt absolutely perfect! Some Wimpy Kid Books lack a plot entirely, and others don’t take place until the very end. This book did not fall into those categories and was an absolute blast to read!

Check out my review on YouTube!!

https://youtu.be/d9clsFhqd0c?si=_Y2_u...

[Angel Mouser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read! I loved how Greg was able to turn his birthday disaster into a lucrative business.

[Prabhjot Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg's birthday is coming up and naturally he's excited. But when Greg's family forgets his birthday, to save face Greg's mum decides to make it up to him and he gets a do-over. Would this party be all Greg dreamed up?

This was hilarious. Greg turns every stone to get the perfect gift for himself and finds it but at what cost. The humour in this reminded me of earlier books in the series. I don't know why but I enjoyed that anonymous article about Greg's mum and the comments had me in tears. That was one hell of a party! As usual, the sketches were amazing.

4.5 stars

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

it’s been too long

Since I read one of these (I needed to hit that last kindle challenge flag and this one qualified 💀🤡).

Ah. To go back in time and be this innocent 🥹
I had forgotten how much these make me smile 🫶. I can’t wait for my daughter to read these lol 🤣

[Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something to be said about the way these books are deeply DEEPLY rooted in capitalism and individualism and narcissism and imperialism... but I dont have time to do all that here so if anyone else who read the entire Diary of a Wimpy Kid series wants to chime in that would be great. Jeff Kinney I will see you in Hell.

[⪩⪨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is me if I celebrated birthdays.

[Selena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Darayus Gorimaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinney has still got it!

It took me a second to get readjusted to the writing style of this beloved children’s author.

The whole book reads like what I imagine an ADHD fever dream might be like. At its core, there is one main storyline, about Greg and his birthday party. Kinney does an excellent job emulating the distracted mind of a middle schooler, going on many tangents and commandeering Greg’s train of thought in a manner akin to the way the rapper Future describes “whip[pin] the foreign like it was a Chevy” on his hit track “March Madness”.

I read the whole book in an hour, and although it may seem like spending $10-$17 (buy small business and spend the extra money if you can) on a book that will take one hour to read is a waste of time, I have spent that amount of money several times on a cocktail that has not enriched my night as much as this book. And, I have a physical souvenir, a trophy for my shelf rather than a hangover!

I will be looking to thrift the remaining books in the series I haven’t read. I think I have the first eight or nine at home, and this was the twentieth book!

Kinney does seem to reuse a few tropes and comic panels, but at book 20 it’s hard to fault him for it.

He does a great job weaving in real world pop culture phenomenons and even including a few subtle jokes adult readers like myself will hopefully find equally amusing.

Solid 8/10. And I can finally say I finished a book this year!

[Lupinsschocolate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely hilarious!! I've read every single one and i must say its one of the funniest books in the series!! i couldn't help but laugh. Anyone who's a fan knows Greg's hard luck and how it always plays out in the end but even after knowing that i loveeedd the ending haha. Things always turn out for the worst for him somehow and that's the funniest part.😂😂

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one really highlights the inherent narcissism of Greg Heffley which I appreciated because I’ve BEEN saying that

[nmreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received my annual dose of wimpy kid😅👌🩷

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love the series! I love how Greg and his mom plan his laye birthday party. Would like to do that for me cone April. Can't wait for the 21st to drop! Keep up the good work Jeff Kinney!

[Anna Risse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a thoughtfully crafted and quietly compelling work that rewards attentive reading. From the opening pages, the author demonstrates a confident command of language and structure, weaving ideas and narrative with a clarity that feels both deliberate and effortless. The prose is polished without being ornamental, allowing the themes to emerge naturally rather than insisting upon themselves.

[♡Emma Brown♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It literally took me less than 24 hours to read this 😀🤔😳

[Faisal Esbita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won’t count this as 1/6
But it was a very very enjoyable book
The child in me felt so happy to read Greg’s never ending adventures
TO ALL THE SUPPORTERS (FATAMINO and Hussain the elite reader)
I’m finishing books in 2026 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Victor The Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Negative nancy” Greg gets a do-over birthday party from his mom after the family embarrassingly forget his birthday and, of course, both he and his mom each have different ideas. It’s a real surprise of a party as Greg’s story has plenty of disastrous results involving collectible cards, a wild deer and surprise guests.

Greg sure is more of a downer than he usually is while is mom is just as unhelpful, yet it’s still a funny story that still has a upside in the end. I mean we’ve all have had dud birthdays too. B+ (83%/Very Good)

[Ryan Canterbury]

i used to read real books

[elly ♡ ︎]

hahaha i read this to get my reading goal higher 😞😞

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book cracked me up! And I really enjoyed the illustrations. It's the first book I've read in the series, but I will definitely read more of them!

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