Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Long Haul — Chapter 2

About This Passage

This passage is doing two interesting things at once. First, it shows a real psychological technique — repeating a phrase to make a hard thing easier to bear — and shows it actually working. Greg starts by mocking his mom and ends by quietly agreeing with her. Second, the writing rewards a careful reader. Look at how the sentences get longer as the paragraph goes on, and notice how the last sentence carries the heaviest idea (that even Greg, the complainer, started believing). The shape of the sentences mirrors the shape of what is happening — Mom's small repeated act of hope slowly takes hold.

Narration Prompt

In your own words, tell the story of this chapter. What were the most important moments? What made them important — and how do you know?

Discussion Questions

1. Greg's mom keeps saying 'we are making memories' even when things go wrong. By the end of the chapter, Greg starts to believe her. Did Greg's mom CONVINCE him with the phrase, or did Greg DECIDE on his own that he wanted to believe her? What is the difference between being convinced and choosing to believe?
2. When the family gets locked out of the car at the gas station, Greg's dad gets quiet and frustrated, but Greg's mom turns it into a story about 'memories.' Is one of these reactions more honest than the other? Or are they both honest in different ways — one honest about the present problem, one honest about how the problem will look later?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide