Nikki Maxwell records middle-school life the way it actually happens, in scribbled journal entries, doodles and running commentary on everything that goes sideways.
Puppy Love belongs to Rachel Renee Russell's long-running Dork Diaries sequence, a series told entirely through Nikki's own notebook. Dated entries, cartoon sketches and a steady stream of exclamation marks carry the humour, while friendship trouble, crushes and school politics supply the plot. The volumes can be picked up in almost any order, although following the numbering gives the rivalries and loyalties more weight over time.
What to expect:
• Journal-format storytelling with hand-drawn illustrations running throughout
• Short entries that suit readers building stamina for longer books
• Comedy drawn from everyday school situations rather than fantasy adventure
• Part of a numbered series that keeps readers reaching for the next volume
A good fit for readers of roughly nine to thirteen who already enjoy Tom Gates or the Wimpy Kid books, and for parents looking for funny, low-pressure reading at home. Available at Boipoka.