The Popularity Papers

The Popularity Papers follows fifth-grade best friends Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang as they conduct research on how to become popular before entering middle school. The series takes the form of their shared journal, complete with drawings, notes, and observations about their experiments in popularity. This illustrated middle-grade series spans seven books, following Lydia and Julie through their school years as they navigate friendships, family dynamics, and social challenges. The format combines handwritten entries and illustrations that represent each girl's distinct perspective and artistic style. The first book in the series introduces their scientific approach to studying popular girls, recording their findings, and testing different strategies - with results that don't always go as planned. As the series progresses, the girls face new adventures including long-distance separation, road trips, and musical pursuits. The series explores themes of friendship, identity, and the meaning of true popularity while questioning whether changing oneself for social status is worth the effort. Through their successes and missteps, the books present an authentic look at pre-teen social dynamics and personal growth.

Readers describe this as a relatable story about friendship and navigating middle school social dynamics. The illustrated journal format appeals to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries. Readers highlighted: - Authentic preteen voice and experiences - Creative mixed-media artwork and handwritten text - Humor that works for both kids and adults - Positive representation of different family structures - Strong friendship themes Common criticisms: - Some parents object to discussions of crushes/dating - Handwritten text can be hard to read - Plot feels meandering at times - Too much focus on popularity versus other themes Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (280+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "Perfect for awkward middle schoolers trying to figure things out" - Goodreads reviewer "The format keeps reluctant readers engaged" - School librarian review "Wish the font was more legible" - Parent reviewer on Amazon

Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell A middle school girl navigates friendship and crushes through illustrated diary entries with doodles and sketches.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney A middle school boy chronicles his daily experiences in a journal filled with cartoons and handwritten notes.

Amelia's Notebook by Marissa Moss A young girl records her observations about life, school, and family in a composition book with drawings and collage elements.

Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf by Jennifer L. Holm A seventh-grade girl tells her story through notes, report cards, to-do lists, and other collected items from her daily life.

Click Here to Start by Denis Markell Three friends solve puzzles and decode messages in a story that combines gaming elements with real-world problem solving.

🌟 The book's distinctive format was inspired by Amy Ignatow's own childhood diary-keeping habits and love of doodling. 📚 Each character's handwriting and drawing style was carefully crafted to reflect their personality - Lydia's entries are wild and artistic, while Julie's are neat and methodical. 🎨 Amy Ignatow worked as an art teacher before becoming an author, which influenced the book's unique illustrated journal format. 🌈 The series has expanded to seven books, with each installment exploring different aspects of middle school life and friendship. 📝 The author spent three years developing the characters and format before the first book was published in 2010, drawing inspiration from real middle school experiences shared by students she taught.