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The Third Wheel (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #7) book cover

The Third Wheel (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #7)

by Jeff Kinney

Abrams 2012

★★★★☆

Great fit for 5th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

Themes include social awkwardness

5th grade English Juvenile Fiction
230
Pages
3
AR Points
2.0h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Humorous Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • friendship
  • first crushes
  • social awkwardness
  • jealousy
  • loyalty
  • self-acceptance
  • school life
  • humor

About this book

Greg Heffley is sure romance is about to change everything at his middle school when a Valentine’s Day dance is announced. As he scrambles to find a date, his plans collide with awkward moments, mixed messages, and best-friend complications. Told with Jeff Kinney’s signature cartoons and laugh-out-loud humor, this installment captures the cringe and comedy of early crushes. Perfect for middle graders who enjoy fast, funny reads about school, friends, and everyday disasters.

Setting: modern-day suburban middle school and home

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Third Wheel (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #7) right for my child?

Yes — The Third Wheel (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #7) is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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, first crushes, social awkwardness.

How long does it take to read The Third Wheel (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #7)?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Third Wheel (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #7) takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 19,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does The Third Wheel (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #7) have an AR quiz?

Yes — The Third Wheel (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #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 The Third Wheel (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #7)?

The Third Wheel (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #7) has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.