Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney

Puffin, 2012. ISBN 9780143307334.
The life of Greg Heffley becomes complicated when a Valentine's Day dance is organized for the middle school. He doesn't want to be the only one without a partner because that would look really uncool. Greg becomes preoccupied with ways to make himself seem more attractive, but there are more boys than girls in his class and the competition is fierce. Uncle Gary tries to dispense some helpful advice but Mum seems intent on humiliating him in front of classmates. Greg and his best mate Rowley decide to accompany Abigail to the dance as a group date but Greg is secretly confident she will be his partner before the night is out.
This is one of a popular series for upper primary children, written in a warm, easy to read style. Every page has entertaining illustrations that break up the text making reading a less daunting experience for the reluctant reader. Children will be able to relate to the dilemmas Greg finds himself in but best of all, they will laugh out loud at his witty asides and observations.
Tina Cain