Greg Heffley is facing a new school year filled with challenges:
* The Curse: Greg believes he's been struck by a "hard luck" curse, leading to a series of unfortunate events, like a bad haircut, a flooded basement, and even a public humiliation during the school talent show.
* New School Year: Greg's anxieties are heightened by the start of a new school year, with a demanding teacher, a competitive rival, and the pressure to fit in.
* Family Drama: His family life is also filled with its own share of challenges, including his parents' constant attempts to "help" him, and his brother, Rodrick, who is always causing mischief.
Throughout the book, Greg struggles to navigate the ups and downs of middle school, trying to find his place, make friends, and avoid further bad luck. He learns some valuable lessons about friendship, family, and resilience along the way.
The humor: As with all "Wimpy Kid" books, "Hard Luck" is full of Kinney's signature humor, with hilarious situations, relatable characters, and Greg's signature voice. It's a lighthearted and entertaining read for middle-grade readers.