A major focus is Greg's struggle to find a "replacement" for Rowley, leading to failed attempts at befriending others and a humorous look at middle school social dynamics. Superstition vs. Reality:
I wanted to barf.
The eighth installment in the popular "Diario de Greg" (Diary of Greg) series follows Greg Heffley as he faces a new year of middle school. Greg's family is struggling with a string of bad luck: his father's job is on the line, his mother's garden is failing, and his brother Rodrick's pranks are getting out of hand.