Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 8 - Hard Luck

What happens when your best friend ditches you? In Hard Luck, the eighth book in Jeff Kinney’s bestselling series, Greg Heffley is forced to face middle school solo. With Rowley out of the picture, Greg's search for new friendships and answers leads him to rely on chance—and magic 8 balls.

Main Themes of the Book

• Friendship and Change: Greg’s struggles highlight how friendships evolve, especially during adolescence.
• Coping with Rejection: Learning to handle feelings of abandonment and disappointment.
• Self-Discovery: Greg must redefine who he is without Rowley.
• Luck vs. Control: A humorous exploration of whether fate really plays a role in everyday decisions.

Why you should read " Hard Luck "

• A relatable story about shifting friendships and growing up
• Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and unexpected turns
• Teaches kids resilience and creative thinking
• Appeals to readers who enjoy quirky humor and comic-style narratives
• A fun introduction to ideas of chance, choice, and making your own luck

Hard Luck is a sharp, witty take on one of childhood’s most difficult challenges—losing a best friend. Through absurd situations and classic Kinney humor, Greg’s journey reminds readers that sometimes, luck might not be enough—but perseverance always is.

Click here to view the rest of the books in the series