Summary

Greg's diary opens in September. The first entry is Monday. Greg Heffley, an eighth grader, has heard that some people are born with the specific genes that make them good athletes. He does not have those genes. He is so terrible at sports that he is “officially announcing my retirement” (1). Greg recalls that he liked sports when he was younger. He played soccer during a time when officials made sure every kid got a chance to score and the kids got slushies and junk food. Greg saved a memento of that time – his photo on a playing card – which he felt would be valuable when he became a professional soccer player. By the next year, the officials began paying more attention, including enforcing the rules. Greg soon spent most of his time at the edge of the field hoping not to be noticed...