Order to read the Dork Diaries series
The Dork Diaries books are best enjoyed in order, as they follow Nikki Maxwell's journey through the ups and downs of middle school, with each book building on the events and relationships of the previous ones. That said, Rachel Renée Russell writes the series in a way that provides enough context for readers to start at any point and still enjoy Nikki's hilariously relatable adventures.
Book 1: Dork Diaries (2009)
Why we love it:
- From school crushes and friendship drama, Nikki's experiences mirror the challenges many young readers face, making it a relatable and comforting read.
- The mix of text and doodles makes it visually appealing, especially for readers who love books like Lottie Brooks.
Meet Nikki Maxwell, a middle schooler navigating life at a fancy private school where she feels totally out of place—thanks to mean girl Mackenzie and endless embarrassing moments. With her crush on Brandon and her new BFFs Chloe and Zoey, Nikki’s diary is full of laugh-out-loud drama, doodles, and relatable school chaos. It’s the hilarious start of Nikki’s journey to embracing her dorky side and realising being yourself isn’t so bad after all!
Book 2: Party Time (2010)
Why we love it:
- The school Halloween dance is the perfect backdrop for all kinds of fun and chaos, with Nikki juggling her crush on Brandon, costume drama, and her ongoing rivalry with Mackenzie.
- With Nikki’s signature humour, funny mishaps, and lots of heart, Party Time is filled with the quirky, laugh-out-loud moments that make the series so enjoyable.
Nikki Maxwell is back, and this time she’s trying to survive the biggest middle school event of the year: the Halloween dance! Between dealing with mean girl Mackenzie, planning the perfect costume, and a major case of crush confusion with Brandon, Nikki’s life is a whirlwind of drama and laughs. From trying to impress classmates to dealing with the ups and downs of friendships, Nikki’s experiences at the dance will resonate with readers navigating their own middle school challenges. Will this party be a total nightmare or the best night ever? Grab your diary—it’s time to find out!
Book 3: Pop Star (2011)
Why we love it:
- Between Nikki’s growing feelings for Brandon and Mackenzie’s schemes, there’s plenty of hilarious school drama that will keep readers entertained and laughing.
- With unexpected mishaps and hilarious moments, readers will love the drama and excitement of the competition.
In Dork Diares Pop Star, Nikki and her best friends, Chloe and Zoey, are entering their school’s talent show—but things get crazy when Mackenzie tries to sabotage their band! With drama, music, and hilarious mishaps, will Nikki rock the stage or face the ultimate middle school fail? The third book in the Dork Diaries series reveals that Nikki’s bond with her best friends Chloe and Zoey is the heart of the story, showing how true friends support each other, even through the most embarrassing moments.
Book 3.5: How to Dork Your Diary (2011)
Why we love it:
- This book lets kids create their own dorky diaries with space to write, doodle, and document their own hilarious moments, making it a creative and personal experience.
- Readers get a closer look at Nikki’s life, her funniest moments, and the lessons she’s learned, all while following her quest to find her missing diary.
Create your own dork diary with this fun, interactive addition to the bestselling series. When Nikki Maxwell loses her diary, she’s on a mission to find it—while sharing hilarious diary-keeping tips along the way. With help (and drama) from her friends, family, and even mean girl Mackenzie, Nikki’s search is full of laughs, lessons, and adventures. Plus, there’s plenty of space for readers to write and draw their own dorky entries.
Book 4: Skating Sensation (2012)
Why we love it:
- Nikki’s attempt to master ice skating for a school fundraiser is filled with funny falls and mishaps, making for a fun and entertaining read, as always.
- Nikki’s best friends, Chloe and Zoey, have her back through the chaos, showing how important true friendship is, even when things get tough (or slippery!).
Nikki Maxwell is trading her trainers for skates in the fourth book of the series. When she agrees to join the school’s ice-skating fundraiser, there’s just one problem, Nikki can barely stay on her feet. Between Mackenzie’s sabotage, her BFFs’ wild ideas, and her crush Brandon watching her every move, Nikki’s skating debut is shaping up to be a total wipeout. With Brandon in the mix, Nikki’s feelings for him add some extra excitement to the story, making it relatable for readers who understand the ups and downs of having a crush. Can she pull off a miracle on ice, or is she doomed to epic embarrassment? Lace up and find out!
Book 5: Dear Dork (2012)
Why we love it:
- The book is fast-paced with an interactive nature, where Nikki's funny responses and doodles are paired with space to jot down their own thoughts and diary entries.
- Along with the usual funny moments, the book highlights Nikki’s personal growth as she navigates friendships, crushes, and embarrassing moments, making it both entertaining and heartwarming.
Nikki Maxwell is stepping into the world of advice columns when she becomes the school newspaper’s secret “Miss Know-It-All.” From giving out funny advice to solving her own middle school drama, Nikki’s life is more chaotic than ever. With Mackenzie stirring up trouble and her crush on Brandon adding to the mix, Nikki’s juggling more secrets than she can handle. This book is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, relatable middle school adventures, and Nikki’s trademark doodles. It’s a perfect reminder that even when life gets messy, staying true to yourself (and your inner dork) is what really matters.
Book 6: Holiday Heartbreak (2013)
Why we love it:
- Young readers will love the mix of festive cheer and Nikki’s hilarious middle school dilemmas, making it a perfect seasonal read.
- The story reminds readers about the importance of kindness, friendship, and staying true to yourself—even when things don’t go as planned
It’s the holiday season, and Nikki Maxwell is dreaming of the perfect Christmas in Holiday Heartbreak—but things get messy fast when she learns her crush, Brandon, might have a date to the winter dance! Between secret planning disasters, Mackenzie’s usual drama, and a case of holiday heartbreak, Nikki’s festive season is full of surprises. Will it all end in a holiday miracle or a middle school meltdown?
Book 7: TV Star (2014)
Why we love it:
- The reality TV show setting is a fresh and fun adventure for readers.
- This book emphasises the importance of friendship, being yourself, and staying grounded.
Nikki Maxwell’s life is about to get super dramatic when her band, "The Fabulous Five", is picked to star in a reality TV show. But life in the spotlight isn’t all glitz and glamour. Between dealing with the camera crew, the stress of being on TV, and of course, Mackenzie trying to steal the show, Nikki’s journey to stardom is anything but smooth.
Book 8: Once Upon a Dork (2015)
Why we love it:
- This magical take on classic fairy tale stories makes it a unique and entertaining read.
- While Nikki’s adventures are filled with fantasy, the story still teaches important lessons about staying true to yourself and handling life’s challenges with humour and grace.
In this fairy-tale inspired adventure, Nikki Maxwell is thrown into a world of magical mishaps when she dreams herself into a fairy-tale fantasy. From dealing with drama as a princess to navigating weird royal challenges, Nikki's life turns into one big enchanted mess. Will she be able to escape this wacky dream world and make it back to reality—or will she be stuck in fairy-tale chaos forever?
Book 9: Drama Queen (2016)
Why we love it:
- The tension of Nikki’s diary being stolen keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while the hilarious twists make it an exciting read.
- This book highlights the ups and downs of friendships and the importance of trust, making it a great way to discuss real-life situations with young readers.
In the ninth book, Drama Queen, Nikki's life takes a wild turn when her biggest secret - her diary - is stolen by none other than Mackenzie, the queen of drama! Now, Nikki’s private thoughts are at risk of being exposed to the entire school. As Nikki desperately tries to get her diary back, she’s faced with even more chaos, from friendship dilemmas to social media disasters.
Book 10: Puppy Love (2016)
Why we love it:
- The puppy-sitting fiascos and middle school mishaps make for a fun, light-hearted read that will have kids laughing out loud.
- Nikki learns about responsibility, friendship, and the importance of staying true to herself.
Nikki Maxwell is back, and this time, she’s in over her head with puppy-sitting. When she agrees to take care of some cute puppies, things quickly spiral out of control, leading to a series of funny (and messy) adventures. On top of that, she’s still trying to figure out her feelings for Brandon, while Mackenzie is up to her usual tricks. Can Nikki handle the chaos of these adorable puppies, middle school drama, and her growing crush, or is she in way over her head?
Book 11: Frenemies Forever (2016)
Why we love it:
- The book explores the tricky dynamics of friendship and rivalry, making it perfect for children who are navigating similar situations.
- Amid all the drama and chaos, Nikki learns valuable lessons about forgiveness, teamwork, and staying true to herself.
Nikki's life is getting even more complicated when she’s forced to team up with her biggest frenemy, Mackenzie, for a school project. Tensions rise as they try to work together—while dealing with everything from friendship drama to a growing crush on Brandon.
Book 12: Crush Catastrophe (2018)
Why we love it:
- The book perfectly captures the ups and downs of having a crush, making it a fun and relatable read for kids navigating similar feelings.
- Nikki learns valuable lessons about honesty, self-confidence, and how to handle tricky situations.
Nikki Maxwell is dealing with some serious crush drama in Crush Catastrophe! Between her confusing feelings for Brandon, her attempt to send him a secret Valentine’s message, and Mackenzie’s never-ending schemes, Nikki’s heart is in a total tangle. Can she figure out her feelings before things get even more complicated, or will her crush catastrophe lead to total chaos?
Book 13: Birthday Drama (2018)
Why we love it:
- Kids will connect with Nikki’s quest to have the perfect birthday, while laughing at the chaos that often comes with planning a big event.
- The story emphasises the importance of friendship, supporting each other, and making the best of things—even when things go wrong.
Nikki Maxwell is determined to have the best birthday ever, but things quickly go off the rails when her party plans spiral into chaos! Between dealing with Mackenzie’s latest tricks, her friends’ unexpected surprises, and a series of hilarious mishaps, Nikki’s dream birthday might turn into a total disaster. Can Nikki salvage her special day, or is it destined to be a birthday nightmare? With plenty of funny moments and touching lessons, the thirteenth book in the Dork Diaries series reminds readers that birthdays (and life) don’t have to be perfect to be enjoyable.
Book 14: Spectacular Superstar (2019)
Why we love it:
- Kids will love reading about Nikki’s journey to pursue her passions, making it a great story for anyone striving to follow their dreams.
- The book teaches the importance of being yourself and embracing your unique talents, no matter the challenges.
Nikki Maxwell’s life is about to get super dramatic when she’s invited to join her school’s prestigious art programme and perform in a glamorous talent show! But things quickly spiral out of control as she faces fierce competition from Mackenzie, her growing crush on Brandon, and the pressure to be perfect. Will Nikki be able to juggle her dreams, her friends, and the spotlight, or will her spectacular moment turn into a complete disaster? Full of funny mishaps and heartwarming surprises, this book is a delightful mix of laughs and inspiration.
Book 15: I Love Paris! (2023)
Why we love it:
- This book emphasises the value of true friendships, staying true to yourself, and handling awkward situations with humour.
- The story reminds readers about the importance of kindness, friendship, and staying true to yourself.
Nikki Maxwell is off to Paris for a school trip, and she’s absolutely ready for adventure! But between trying to fit in with her classmates, dealing with Mackenzie’s antics, and trying to figure out her feelings for Brandon, Nikki’s dream trip quickly turns into a whirlwind of chaos, especially as her French skills are less than reliable. The story shows Nikki trying to navigate the city of love without letting the drama ruin her Parisian experience. It's a fun instalment in the series that offers a mix of travel excitement and middle school drama set in the new backdrop of Paris.
Book 16: Sister Showdown (2024)
Why we love it:
- Kids can relate to the hilarious ups and downs of sibling relationships, from the constant teasing to the unexpected moments of bonding.
- With plenty of funny situations and dramatic moments, the book is a perfect blend of laughs and heartwarming messages.
Nikki Maxwell’s life gets even more complicated when she has to deal with her little sister, Brianna, who’s causing a whirlwind of chaos. From sneaky pranks to completely embarrassing moments, Brianna’s antics are driving Nikki crazy. But when a family event turns into a full-blown sister showdown, Nikki has to figure out how to survive the drama—and maybe even bond with her annoying little sister in the process. Sister Showdown teaches the importance of patience, understanding, and how even the most frustrating family members can have a special place in your life.
Happy Reading!
The Dork Diaries series offers a hilarious, heartwarming, and often relatable journey through middle school life, full of friendship, crushes, and drama. To get the full experience of Nikki Maxwell’s adventures—from her first diary entry to her most recent escapades—reading the books in order is the best way to enjoy her hilarious ups and downs.
Whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect book series for your child or a fan ready to read the next book, Nikki’s journey is sure to entertain and inspire.
And if you love Nikki's adventures and doodle diaries, expand your child's book collection with the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books in order or Lottie Brooks adventures in order.
Enjoy!
