What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedDork Diaries
Rachel Renée Russell · Book · 2009
If you loved Dork Diaries, start with Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Thor Freudenthal, 2010) — a film on the same thread. Below: 2 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Dork Diaries across media.
If you loved Dork Diaries, you will appreciate these stories that capture the hilarious, messy, and relatable chaos of navigating middle school social hierarchies.
Films on the same thread
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Thor Freudenthal · Film · 2010
Explores: Middle school angst, Social hierarchy, Friendship.
Like Dork Diaries, this film perfectly captures the mortifying social struggles of middle school. You will recognize the same intense anxiety and desperate need to survive the school hierarchy.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
Film · 2011
Explores: Sibling rivalry, Middle school struggles, Family dynamics.
Much like the diary entries in Dork Diaries, this story focuses on the specific frustrations of growing up. You will enjoy the familiar tension of managing family and school life.
Series on the same thread
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide
Scott Fellows · Series · 2004
Explores: School life, Friendship, Self-improvement.
If you enjoyed the candid perspective of Dork Diaries, you will love how this show breaks the fourth wall to provide personal advice on surviving the social minefield of school.
Derry Girls
Lisa McGee · Series · 2018
Explores: Female friendship, Adolescent awkwardness, The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
This series mirrors the adolescent awkwardness found in Dork Diaries. You will connect with the way these students handle the universal, high-stakes drama of navigating friendships and school life.
Gossip Girl
Stephanie Savage · Series · 2007
Explores: Privilege, Social Status, Secrets.
Fans of Dork Diaries who are fascinated by school social status will enjoy this look at the intense secrets and gossip that define the lives of these privileged teens.
Degrassi
Yan Moore · Series · 2001
Shares a thread with Dork Diaries: Peer Pressure.
This show explores the same coming-of-age themes present in Dork Diaries. It provides a deeper look at the peer pressure and identity struggles that define the middle school experience.
Podcasts on the same thread
anything goes with emma chamberlain
emma chamberlain · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Authenticity, Self-discovery, Modern adulthood.
If the personal, diary-like voice of Dork Diaries resonated with you, this podcast offers a similar sense of authenticity as the host shares her unfiltered thoughts on modern life.
Sensory Overload
Podcast
Explores: Social Media, Influencer Culture, Fame.
This podcast explores the same dynamics of social media and online bullying that modern middle schoolers face, expanding on the themes of peer pressure found in Dork Diaries.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What age group is Dork Diaries written for?
Dork Diaries is intended for readers between the ages of 9 and 13. This age range aligns with the middle school setting where the protagonist, Nikki Maxwell, navigates her daily life and social challenges.
Is Dork Diaries a series about middle school life?
Yes, Dork Diaries focuses on the experiences of Nikki Maxwell as she navigates the halls and social environment of middle school. The narrative captures the specific trials and interactions common to that academic setting.
When was the first Dork Diaries book released?
The first book in the Dork Diaries series was written by Rachel Renée Russell and published in 2009. It introduces readers to Nikki Maxwell and her experiences during her middle school years.
Who is the main character in Dork Diaries?
The main character in Dork Diaries is Nikki Maxwell. The stories follow her as she navigates the various social and personal challenges that occur while she is attending middle school.