Hot Mess, the 19th installment in Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, is set in a familiar contemporary world. The story takes place during the summer, capturing the quintessential American family vacation experience. While the exact geographical location is not specified, the story unfolds primarily at a beach destination. The focal point is a small beach house where Greg Heffley and his extended family are staying for their summer holiday. This cramped living arrangement serves as a pressure cooker for family dynamics and comedic situations.

Characters

• Greg Heffley: The main protagonist and narrator. Greg is a middle school student navigating family dynamics during a summer vacation. He's often caught between different family members and their expectations. Greg tends to get into humorous situations and misadventures.

• Gramma: Greg's grandmother, known for her famous meatballs. She guards the secret recipe closely, creating intrigue within the family. Gramma likely plays a significant role in the family gatherings described in the book.

• Greg's extended family: Various unnamed relatives who come together for a summer gathering. They contribute to the chaotic and humorous situations Greg finds himself in throughout the story.

• Greg's parents: While not specifically mentioned, Greg's parents are likely present during the family vacation. 

Quick facts

• Hot Mess is the 19th installment in Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

• The book follows protagonist Greg Heffley during a summer beach vacation with his extended family.

• The story involves Greg trying to uncover the secret ingredients in his grandmother's meatballs.

• The book deals with themes of family dynamics and summer vacation mishaps

• It is set in a small beach house, creating a cramped environment for comedy.

• The cover features Greg looking distressed amidst beach-related objects.

• Hot Mess continues the annual release schedule of Wimpy Kid books in October.

• The book was announced in January 2024, less than a year after its predecessor, No Brainer.

About the Author

Jeff Kinney is an American author and cartoonist best known for creating the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series. Born in 1971 in Maryland, Kinney developed his artistic talents in college, where he created a comic strip for the school newspaper. After graduating, he spent years refining the concept for Diary of a Wimpy Kid before releasing it online in 2004, where it gained a massive following.

The print version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid debuted in 2007 and became an instant hit. Kinney has since published over 30 books in the series, which have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. Kinney’s blend of humor, relatable characters, and cartoon-style illustrations have made the books especially popular with reluctant young readers. Kinney's work has earned him numerous accolades, including six Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.

Beyond writing, Kinney has expanded the Wimpy Kid franchise into films, serving as executive producer on several movie adaptations. He also created Poptropica, an educational gaming website for children. In 2015, Kinney and his wife opened an independent bookstore called “An Unlikely Story” in Massachusetts, where they reside. Kinney is a strong advocate for encouraging children to read as an alternative to excessive screen time.

Kinney continues to produce new Wimpy Kid books annually. He regularly engages with fans through book tours and events, often incorporating interactive elements to promote reading and creativity. Kinney's impact on children's literature has been widely recognized, with TIME magazine naming him one of the world's most influential people in 2009.