Hard Luck

Gr 3–7—Ramon de Ocampo again narrates the trials and tribulations of chronic navel-gazer Greg Heffley. The main theme in this series installment (Abrams, 2013) is the loss of a best friend due to that most dreaded event-a new girlfriend. Abigail is so controlling of everything Rowley does that Greg quickly decides he must find someone else to carry his school bag and protect him from dog poop. His quest proves mostly unsuccessful so he spends a lot of time at home, giving him plenty to complain about. Greg decides to let a Magic 8 Ball choose his actions, which, of course, leads to a number of difficult and amusing situations. De Ocampo does a wonderful job providing each character with very distinct voices and quirks. The pacing is excellent, and he has a knack for comic delivery. The books are starting to feel a bit the same, but fans will surely clamor for this recording.—B. Allison Gray, Goleta Library, Santa Barbara, CA