Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel (Book 7)
by Jeff Kinney
Penguin UK 2012
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- crushes and first love
- popularity and social status
- embarrassment
- family dynamics
- peer pressure
- self-confidence
- middle school life
About this book
Greg Heffley is sure love is in the air when his middle school announces a Valentine’s Day dance—but finding a date is a whole different story. As Greg scrambles to improve his odds, his plans get complicated by best-friend drama and the usual Heffley household chaos. Told through Greg’s signature diary entries and cartoons, this installment serves up laugh‑out‑loud moments and painfully relatable middle school cringe. Great for fans of humor and reluctant readers who enjoy quick, cartoon-packed chapters.
Setting: suburban middle school and home, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel (Book 7) right for my child?
Yes — Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel (Book 7) is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, crushes and first love, popularity and social status.
How long does it take to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel (Book 7)?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel (Book 7) takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 19,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel (Book 7) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel (Book 7) has an AR quiz available, worth 3 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel (Book 7)?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel (Book 7) has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.