If you are a fan of teenage literature, then you might have come across the Dork diaries. These books follow the issues afflicting a high schooler in the eighth grade.
The books cover the best and worst moments in her young life: who she hangs out with, who she crushes on, and who has made it onto her enemy list.
These books are written by Rachel Renee Russell, who based the main character on her own daughter, who is also called Nikki, and illustrates the Dork diaries.
But how many Dork Diaries are there? There are 15 official titles in this series, although there are a couple of spin-offs that I’ll talk about. But if you like teen chick-lit, then I can’t recommend this series enough.
What Are The Dork Diaries Books?
The Dork Diaries detail the life and times of Mikki Maxwell, who struggles to get ahead in her new private school.
To make things worse, there are plenty of snooty kids who go to that school and make Nikki’s life a living hell.
Nikki’s adventures are incredibly popular amongst young female readers and the books have so far sold around 45 million copies around the world. They have also been translated into 42 different languages.
List Of All The Dork Diaries Books (In Chronological Order)
Now we’re going to delve into the secret life of Nikki Maxwell right from the very beginning.
There is no reason why you can’t read these books in any order, but we would recommend starting from the first, so you can get an idea of Nikki’s how Nikki’s relationships progress.
This is where it all begins. Nikki Maxwell is a girl who has just moved to a private school and she is finding it very difficult to fit in with her surroundings.
This covers a lot more than that though: we see her epic fight with her Mom to get an iPhone as well as the first love of her life, the incredibly charming Brandon.
This novel also introduces one of Nikki’s main rivals, Mackenzie, the mean girl of the school who goes face to face with Nikki in a painting competition.
This book sold millions of copies and is the perfect starting point for a young female reader.
Pros
This comes with thousands of great reviews on Amazon
This is a number 1 New York Times bestseller
Age range of 8 – 12 years old
Ideal for young female readers
Cons
Some people have said that the themes in this novel were distressing
In this follow-up to Tales From A Not-So-Fabulous Life, we see Nikki Maxwell still struggling with the same challenges as before, but now with a few extra things thrown into the mix!
When Nikki finds out that her sworn enemy Mackenzie is going to the Halloween dance with Brandon, she decides to spend the time with her little sister instead.
However, just when we think that all is not going well for Nikki, the truth comes to light, and turns out she might have a chance of going to the dance with Brandon after all!
This is the second bestselling novel in the Dork Diaries series, with fans praising it as being better than the last.
Pros
Nikki gets closer to Brandon
Great for female readers crushing on someone
A bestselling novel
Great for readers getting older with Nikki
Cons
Some parents have complained this book is inappropriate for younger readers
Now time for the third installment of the Dork Diaries, this time we see Nikki competing in the song and dance competition so that she can win a scholarship to the school that she is going to and clear her name as someone who undeservedly earned it because of her dad being the school exterminator.
This has a slightly older age range, which is great for any readers who are growing up with Nikki. This is another bestselling novel that really cemented the author’s reputation and got people hooked on Nikki Maxwell.
Pros
Another great chapter in the Nikki Maxwell saga
Great for anyone who likes talent shows
Perfect for ambitious young female readers
Cons
Some parents have once again complained this is inappropriate for younger readers
Next up, we have Nikki Maxwell turning her hand to another competition, although this time she is skating on thin ice… literally!
Nikki enters an ice-skating contest so she can help raise money for the animal charity that Brandon works for. However, with her arch-rival Mackenzie on her case, will she be successful?
This is another exciting chapter in the Nikki Maxwell story, and we see that she is a girl with many talents.
This comes with thousands of positive reviews and has garnered over a million sales worldwide. This shows that the Dork Diaries have no intention of slowing down!
Pros
A funny and heart-warming adventure
Great for younger readers looking to better themselves at their hobbies
Adds a new dimension to the Nikki Maxwell story
Cons
Parents have noticed negative depictions of teachers and parents in this novel
Another Dork Diaries novel, another task that Nikki Maxwell has set for herself.
This time Nikki is getting into journalism and wants to write for the student newspaper. However, she finds out that her arch-enemy Mackenzie has started writing a gossip column and wants to include juicy gossip about Nikki and her crush Brandon.
Pros
Watch Nikki navigate the thorny world of student advice
This is great for young readers who like to write
A novel about friendship
Cons
This story might be too advanced for younger readers
This novel really ramps up the relationship drama between Nikki and her long-time crush Brandon.
The biggest dance of the school year is coming up and Nikki is hoping that Brandon will take her to it. However, as time goes on and Brandon still hasn’t made his move, will Nikki be out of options?
Pros
Nikki and her friends Chloe and Zoey all fall in love
More intrigue about Nikki’s relationship with Brandon
Great for older Nikki Maxwell fans
Cons
Younger readers might want to start earlier in the saga
As Nikki moves ever closer to sealing the deal with her crush Brandon, a TV crew enters her life as she and her friends practice a new song for their dance show.
But how can Nikki juggle all of these things in her life when her every waking moment is being recorded?
Pros
Another exciting chapter that showcases Nikki’s many talents
Great for younger female readers with a passion for performance
Would make a great birthday gift for a young girl
Cons
Some readers have described this book as being far too silly
Now we have something a little different from the usual Dork Diaries narrative. This time Nikki retreats into her own fantasy world after getting knocked on the head.
Now all the most important people in her life – Brandon, Chloe, Zoey, and even her enemy Mackenzie – are rendered as fairy tale characters in one of her zaniest adventures yet.
Pros
Dork Diaries is given a fairy-tale twist
One of the most fun Dork Diaries episodes in the series
Thousands of great reviews on Amazon
Cons
Might seem like a pointless distraction to people who want to see more of Nikki’s story.
This is another gripping plot twist as the Dork Diaries are hijacked by one of Nikki’s worst enemies – Mackenzie!
Now that she has started filling Nikki’s diary with some of her own thoughts, we finally get a window into the life of one of Nikki’s biggest detractors.
Pros
For those who want to see the world from Mackenzie’s point of view – this is the book for you!
A refreshing twist on an old narrative
A story of intrigue as we wonder whether Nikki will get her diary back
It’s no secret that Nikki Maxwell is a pet lover, well now she has several cute puppies on her hands.
The only problem is… what will she do with them now? With her parents, her sister, Mackenzie, and the rest of the school searching for her pups, where will Nikki hide them?
Pros
Nikki has to hide puppies from her nearest and dearest
A much more heart-warming novel than usual
A great read for pet-lovers
Cons
Some readers have described this as ‘unrealistic’ and the weakest entry of the series
The summer is coming and Nikki has to figure out how she is going to spend it. However, when a new guy turns up who likes Nikki, then she is faced with one of her most difficult dilemmas yet.
Will she hang out more with this new guy or will she stay faithful to her crush Brandon?
Pros
Some romantic jeopardy in Nikki’s world
A great will-they/won’t-they romance
The most thrilling installment of the Dork Diaries
Cons
Might not be appropriate material in this book for younger readers
It’s Nikki’s birthday and she and Chloe and Zoey are preparing the best birthday party ever… until they find out that they don’t have the money they need to throw it!
Just when Nikki is ready to throw in the towel, the last person she thought would ever help her out comes and saves the day, ensuring Nikki will never forget this birthday!
Pros
Celebrate with Nikki in this fun-packed novel
Over 5,000 amazing reviews on Amazon
Expect plenty of twists and turns
Cons
Some readers have described the pace of this novel as too slow
Nikki and her band have finally earned that coveted slot supporting their favorite pop group Bad Boyz.
However, things don’t go too well when she finds out that Mackenzie has gotten a position on the social media team. Will all Nikki’s hopes of pop stardom be dashed by Mackenzie’s meddling?
Pros
Followers of Nikki Maxwell will be thrilled by her new career
This is great for any young woman with a passion for music
A number 1 bestselling book
Cons
Some readers have said this book promotes materialism to young people
In the latest installment of the Dork Diaries series, Nikki and her friends go to Paris so they can raise money for her crush Brandon’s animal shelter.
But with so much to organize, will Nikki actually make it to France’s coolest capital city?
Pros
Join Nikki on her friends on her first overseas adventure
Great for young girls with an urge to travel
Great illustrations
Cons
Some readers have claimed that this novel deviates too much from the classic Dork Diaries plot
A lot of girls have responded well to Nikki Maxwell and the fact that these books keep selling is a testament to how well-written the characters are.
This series also covers love, crushed, friendship, and animal welfare. We would also recommend these books to animal lovers.
If you are struggling to buy your children a gift this year, then the Dork Diaries would make for a great stocking filler, filled with plenty to keep them entertained.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Popular Are The Dork Diaries?
These books have sold over 45 million copies across the world.
Is There Any Dork Diaries Merch?
You can get a Dork Diaries gift box that comes with stickers, pens, friendship cards, and a friendship bracelet maker, as well as a special edition book and notepad.
Hi, my name is Anna Davis and I have been working with books for five years now. I got a job at my local library, so I could be closer to all of the books! I created this website in the hopes of inspiring others to start reading again. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite book from my site!
