Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is the ninth book in the popular children’s series written by Jeff Kinney. This book follows the adventures of Greg Heffley and his family as they embark on a road trip, and it was adapted into a movie in 2017.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the book summary, movie insights, and much more.
So, buckle up and get ready for an exciting journey through the world of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul.
Book summary and key themes
The Long Haul starts with Greg Heffley and his family preparing for a road trip to attend his grandmother’s birthday party.
Greg’s mother, Susan, decides to turn the trip into a family vacation, much to everyone’s dismay. Throughout the journey, the family encounters various obstacles and challenges, such as car troubles, Greg’s fear of a creepy pig, and a disastrous visit to a county fair.
Some of the key themes in the book include the importance of family, perseverance, and the humorous reality of road trips. The book also highlights the challenges of growing up and Greg’s relationship with his older brother Rodrick and younger brother Manny.
Movie summary and insights
The movie adaptation of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, released in 2017, is directed by David Bowers and features a new cast of actors. The film follows the same storyline as the book, with the Heffley family embarking on their road trip.
However, the movie includes some changes, such as a subplot involving a video game convention that Greg is desperate to attend.
The movie provides a visual representation of the hilarious situations and memorable moments from the book, which fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate.
However, some critics have noted that the film may not appeal as much to those unfamiliar with the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books.
Parent guide: What to expect
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is a family-friendly book and movie suitable for children aged 8 and up.
The story is light-hearted and relatable, with a focus on family dynamics and the challenges of a road trip. Both the book and movie contain some mild rude humor and comical situations, but nothing inappropriate for young audiences.
Parents can expect their children to enjoy the humor and adventure in the story while also learning about the importance of family bonds, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles.
When and where the story takes place
The story of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul takes place in the present day, following the Heffley family as they travel from their home to Greg’s grandmother’s house.
The road trip covers multiple states and various locations, including a motel, a county fair, and a water park.
Film locations and travel guide
The movie adaptation of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul was primarily filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, and the surrounding areas. Some of the notable filming locations include Stone Mountain Park, a popular family attraction, and the Chattahoochee River, which provided the backdrop for some of the water park scenes.
For fans interested in visiting these locations, a trip to Atlanta and the nearby attractions can provide a fun and immersive experience into the world of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul.
Who’s who: Main characters and their roles
- Greg Heffley: The protagonist of the series, Greg is a middle school student who documents his life and adventures in his diary.
- Rodrick Heffley: Greg’s older brother, who often teases and torments him but also shares some of the same interests.
- Manny Heffley: Greg’s younger brother, who tends to get away with everything due to his innocent appearance.
- Susan Heffley: Greg’s mother, who is enthusiastic about family bonding and insists on making the road trip a memorable experience.
- Frank Heffley: Greg’s father, who is often stressed out by the family’s antics and just wants to survive the road trip.
Memorable quotes from the book and movie
Some of the memorable quotes from Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul include:
- “I’ve never been on a plane before, but I think I’d rather take my chances with the terrorists than spend another minute in this car.” – Greg Heffley
- “You can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can judge a person by their face.” – Greg Heffley
- “This is the worst family vacation ever!” – Rodrick Heffley
The soundtrack by Edward Shearmur
The movie’s soundtrack is composed by Edward Shearmur, who has worked on numerous films, including Charlie’s Angels and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.
The soundtrack for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul features a mix of upbeat, playful tunes that perfectly complement the movie’s lighthearted tone and comedic moments.
Curiosities and trivia about Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
- The Long Haul is the ninth book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, which has over 200 million copies in print worldwide.
- The movie adaptation features an entirely new cast compared to the previous Diary of a Wimpy Kid films, due to the original actors aging out of their roles.
- Jeff Kinney, the author of the series, makes a cameo appearance in the movie as a convention attendee.
Tips for cosplay and dressing like the characters
For fans interested in cosplaying as the characters from Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, here are some tips to help you capture their looks:
- Greg Heffley: Wear a white T-shirt with a black stick-figure drawing of Greg on the front, black shorts, and a backpack. Add a prop diary for an authentic touch.
- Rodrick Heffley: Dress in a black T-shirt, ripped jeans, a studded belt, and a wristband. Complete the look with a faux lip piercing and a drumstick prop.
- Susan Heffley: Opt for a simple blouse and jeans combo, with a camera around your neck to capture all the family memories.
Jeff Kinney’s bio and works
Jeff Kinney is an American author, cartoonist, and game designer best known for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. He began the series as an online comic before it was published as a book in 2007.
Since then, Kinney has continued to release new installments annually, with the series becoming a worldwide phenomenon.
In addition to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Kinney has also written the spin-off series Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid, which focuses on Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson.
Ending explained: What it means for the characters
The ending of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul sees the Heffley family finally reaching their destination, only to find that they have arrived at the wrong address.
Despite the mishaps and challenges they faced, the family comes together and laughs at the situation, showcasing their resilience and ability to find humor in difficult circumstances.
The conclusion of The Long Haul reinforces the importance of family bonds and the idea that, despite the obstacles we face, we can always rely on our loved ones to support and uplift us.
Remake, sequel, and spin-off possibilities
While there is currently no news of a remake or direct sequel to Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, the series itself continues to be popular, with new books being released regularly.
There is potential for more movies based on the later books in the series, which would allow fans to continue following the adventures of Greg Heffley and his family.
As for spin-offs, the Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid series, focusing on Rowley Jefferson, could also be adapted into movies or television shows in the future.
Other media by David Bowers
David Bowers, the director of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, has an extensive background in animation and filmmaking.
He has directed other movies in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, such as Rodrick Rules and Dog Days. Additionally, Bowers has worked on animated films like Astro Boy, Flushed Away, and The Prince of Egypt.
Similar media to Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
For fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, there are plenty of other books, movies, and TV shows that offer a similar blend of humor, adventure, and relatable family dynamics.
Some recommendations include:
- The Middle School series by James Patterson
- The Big Nate series by Lincoln Peirce
- The Dork Diaries series by Rachel Renée Russell
- The movie adaptation of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
- The TV show The Goldbergs
Other works by Jeff Kinney and their similarities
In addition to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Jeff Kinney has also written the Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid spin-off series.
This series focuses on Greg Heffley’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson, and provides a new perspective on the world of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Fans of The Long Haul will enjoy the similar humor, relatable situations, and engaging storytelling found in these books.
Book club questions for discussion
- How does the road trip in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul serve as a metaphor for the challenges of growing up and navigating family dynamics?
- Which character do you relate to the most and why?
- How does the humor in the book help to convey important themes and messages?
- How do the illustrations in the book enhance the storytelling and make the characters more relatable?
- How does the movie adaptation compare to the book? Which do you prefer and why?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul video games
While there are no video games specifically based on Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, fans of the series can enjoy a variety of online games and activities on the official Diary of a Wimpy Kid website.
These games allow players to engage with the characters and world of Diary of a Wimpy Kid in a fun and interactive way.
Conclusion and lasting impact of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is a beloved entry in the popular series, with its relatable story, endearing characters, and humorous situations appealing to readers and moviegoers of all ages.
The book and movie both serve as entertaining reminders of the importance of family and the ability to find humor in even the most challenging situations.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or just discovering the world of Greg Heffley and his adventures, The Long Haul serves as a fun and engaging exploration of the trials, tribulations, and joys of growing up and navigating family life.
