"Let me just say for the record that I think middle school is the dumbest idea ever invented.  You got kids like me who haven't hit their growth spurt yet mixed in with these gorillas who need to shave twice a day.  And then they wonder why bullying is such a big problem in middle school."

A great pick for reluctant male readers, Jeff Kinney's novel in cartoons, Diary of a Wimpy Kid chronicles the first year of middle school for video game-addict Greg Heffley.  What began as an online comic has evolved into a five book project, with book one out now, and book two due out December 2007.  The ups and downs of Greg's friendships and family relationships, plus his quirky approach to finding popularity in middle school --  amusingly illustrated -- make this book a quick and fun read.