With her internationally best-selling series, Rachel Renée Russell has created for girls what Jeff Kinney did for boys with The Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Nikki Maxwell, Queen of the Dorks, is back in a brand new instalment of the internationally bestselling series, now with 13 million copies in print worldwide.
After a bump on the head, Nikki has a wild dream in which she, her BFF’s Chloe and Zoey, her crush Brandon, and mean girl Mackenzie all end up playing the roles of some familiar classic fairy tale characters.
Will Nikki’s dream turn into a nightmare?
Find out more about DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK here.
Available as eBook or paperback from your prefered book retailer.
My 9 year old daughter got this book for her birthday and she absolutely loved it. It was read within a week, she loved it that much! Reading is very important, so as a mum The Dork Diaries is a great series of books, that also makes reading lots of fun. I highly recommend The Dork Diaries.
My daughter and I knew of the Dork Diaries but, had never read one before. Miss Eight started reading right away and didn't want want to put the book down. I got told that yes she was enjoying the book, it was great and could I please stop interrupting so she could keep reading! I'd say this book is a winner!
The newest Dork Diaries book is a big hit with my 11yr old!!
This book just turned up an hour ago and I think the photo says it all about how excited my 11 year old daughter is to have the NEWEST Dork Diaries book in her hot little hands!
She hasn't put the book down since I handed it over, is almost half way through and this is what she has to say about it...
"It's really interesting and well written with EPIC pictures and a really good storyline and overall so far it's AMAZING!".
My 10 year will quite happily sit and have a read on her own. She loves this time to herself. I originally bought the book as a joke as she can be dorky sometimes but she fell in love. This is the start of her next book collection. All I can say is I am happy for her to read and she enjoys these books.
Since reading DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK by Rachel Renée Russell my eight year old is a mission to read the whole series. I think what appeals to her is the what that it is written, being journal entries, the large print and the funny illustrations. She has re-read this book a few times now however, I still hear her chuckling to herself as she reads.
Miss Eight recognised the brand of Dork Diaries from school but had never actually read any of the books in the series until now. She enjoyed reading DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK so much that she download all the other books extracts to read. Miss Eight rated this book a 4.5 out of 5 saying that is was funny and dramatic, giving it a big thumbs up.
My 8 year old daughter loved this book. She read it cover to cover, in one sitting. She rated it a 10/10, saying it was hilarious and really enjoyed the pictures. Miss 8 is now very keen to read the rest of the Dork Diary series. I'd highly recommend this book to other parents with kids of a similar age.
It was pretty fun, but not as good as some of the other books in the series. Nikki’s dream where she’s in a fairy-tale world was kind of cool, and I liked the funny parts, but the story felt like I’d read something similar before. I was hoping for more surprises or new things to happen.
The drawings are still really awesome and made the book fun to read, but the story just didn’t grab my attention as much as other Dork Diaries books. I still like Nikki and her adventures, but this one wasn’t my favorite.
My daughter has got a whole collection of these and they have kept her entertained and intrigued for hours at a time. The style is fun and engaging and great for inspiring creativity. She shares her collection with friends and loves to see what new ones are coming out. These have an aspect of "comic style" and she especially enjoys this. These are highly recommend and a keeper .
My niece loves the Dork Diaries. It is like reading a diary, and quite different from the usual books they read. It's funny and is great as it encourages kids to read. There is a whole series of dork books for them to enjoy. Be a great Christmas gift fo her.
A good overall read for the kids. I personally don't think the word dork is necessary as so many children get bullied and called dorks. The kids tend to love books from this brand and series though and reading is important so it wins for me. There's a few like this in the Xmas stocking for this year and going to give some to my nephews and cousin. Thanks Mouths of mums for posting options for reviews to make decisions easier
Well judging by the group of girls all huddled around in a circle giggling and laughing and reading out their favourite section then having a huge discussion about the book, I would say it's a winner. I must admit I do not like the giving of children or groups names like dork, nerds or academics etc but if a book can get children reading and loving it I'm all for it. The girls loved the fact that they felt like they had stumbled onto someone's private diary and was secretly reading it also the fact that it was that well written it could well have been there life and diary. They thought the book was more suited to the age bracket of 8-10 maybe 11 and they rated it a 4.5 out of 5.
DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK was the first book from the Dork Dairies series that my daughter read. From there she had gone on to read the whole series.
Overall, I think it is the way the Dork Daires are written and presented that make it a hit with independent readers.
The font is large, the writing format used is dairy entries, making the book easy to put down or pick up as required, and there are lots of illustrations.
For parents with tween girls in particular, who are wanting to get their kids to read more,
My daughter loves the Dork Diaries. They are always requested for her birthday or Christmas. As I love reading myself I like to see the enjoyment my daughter gets from reading the Dork Diaries collection and way she is always eager to tell me what it entails. I always encourage her love of reading as I think it is very important.
My 10 year will quite happily sit and have a read on her own. She loves this time to herself. I originally bought the book as a joke as she can be dorky sometimes but she fell in love. This is the start of her next book collection. All I can say is I am happy for her to read and she enjoys these books.
My 8 year old daughter is an avid reader, and the dork diaries series are books she could not put down and has read over and over. She says they are very funny. My 7 year old daughter who is not quite as confindant a reader as her sister has also loved reading these books. Great books for all ages, Mum might just have to read them too and see what all the fuss is about!
My 9 year old daughter got this book for her birthday and she absolutely loved it. It was read within a week, she loved it that much! Reading is very important, so as a mum The Dork Diaries is a great series of books, that also makes reading lots of fun. I highly recommend The Dork Diaries.
I applied to review books for Mom’s and was overjoyed to be chosen to review the book ‘YOU’. ‘Dork Diaries’ was also on the list. I have read the reviews for ‘Dork Diaries’ and it seems the book is a brilliant read. I have decided to get the book for the kids.
Since reading DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK by Rachel Renée Russell my eight year old is a mission to read the whole series. I think what appeals to her is the what that it is written, being journal entries, the large print and the funny illustrations. She has re-read this book a few times now however, I still hear her chuckling to herself as she reads.
Child one got this for Christmas after reading the reviews. Miss 13 said she was too old for it but was very happy to sit down and read it. Saying afterwards that it was the best one she has read in the series.
Master 11 loved this as again it shows him that it is ok to be him and that it is fine not to be like everyone else
Master 7 loves them and they are so easy to follow for him and he finds that he gets a lot out of them.
Love the fact I can get one series off books that 3 totally different children love to read
Miss Eight recognised the brand of Dork Diaries from school but had never actually read any of the books in the series until now. She enjoyed reading DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK so much that she download all the other books extracts to read. Miss Eight rated this book a 4.5 out of 5 saying that is was funny and dramatic, giving it a big thumbs up.
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Article
‘Trust Your Intuition’: How To Advocate For Your Child In Hospital
Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.
What if I’m overreacting? What if I’ve got it wrong?
So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.
It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.
Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise
According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.
“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.
Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital
While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.
So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.
“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.
Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone
A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.
You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.
Leticia gets it.
“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”
But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.
Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.
“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”
Remember, we know our children better than anyone.
What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process
If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.
Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.
Here’s how it works:
Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.
You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.
What should you actually look out for?
Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.
Things like:
Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse
And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.
That’s enough.
“You are helping us, not bothering us”
If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.
“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.
“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”
The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.
“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”
And if you’re still worried about being judged?
“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”
You should never second guess yourself when it comes to yours or your childs health- or anyones for that matter. Go with your thoughts. It is natural to want to protect a loved one especially when it comes to health situations, and the feeling you get when you think you didnt do enough to advocate or fight for them…it is not a kind or nice way to feel. Many people have ended up being heartbroken and picking up pieces for years because of feeling they didnt do enough.
A very good and informative article. I have read so many stories about mums just knowing when things are not right and demanding second and third opinions until they got the right answer. Sometimes mums just know. It is our job as care takers of our families. Listen to your gut!
Years ago, I spoke up for my 14-year-old daughter, but my concerns weren’t fully listened to. I’ve always wished I had pushed harder. She was sent home without much testing, and two days later, she passed away.
So, if you ever have concerns—no matter how minor—please speak up and keep advocating. Trust your instincts; they are there for a reason.
This is so important for parents to know how to raise it further if they don’t think their child is receiving the medical support they need! I know this article refers to the NSW system but other systems have similar procedures just with different names. I know in QLD it’s called Ryan’s Rule.
It’s so important to follow your gut instincts and express your concerns indeed. I have never hesitated to advocate for my children in various situations and I don’t care what other people think about it. Not all doctors and medical staff appreciate it when you question them, I’ve experienced that it may result in angry indignant responses.
How true this is! While nurses and doctors are the medical professionals doing their job on the daily, we know our children better than anyone and what is ‘normal’ for them. I would always speak up if I had noticed any changes in my child’s health and encourage other parents to do so too. No question is silly!
This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.
This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.
I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.
9:52 am
Great book!
10:37 am
This book is a winner!
7:03 pm
The newest Dork Diaries book is a big hit with my 11yr old!!
She hasn't put the book down since I handed it over, is almost half way through and this is what she has to say about it...
"It's really interesting and well written with EPIC pictures and a really good storyline and overall so far it's AMAZING!".
Definitely a winner!!
9:49 pm
Dork diaries party time
1:49 pm
sounds awesome and looks great
7:32 am
Now wants to read the series!
3:11 pm
Fascinating Interesting Funny Read
8:03 pm
A big thumbs up
2:25 pm
Recommended reading!
10:09 am
This is the best book I have ever read!
I love the pictures throughout the book especially the one on page 99.
It's like reading someones real private diary .. It could be mine ...I can see my group of friends in the characters through the book.
I have recommended all my friends read it ..It really is a great book!
1:14 am
Mid range addition
It was pretty fun, but not as good as some of the other books in the series. Nikki’s dream where she’s in a fairy-tale world was kind of cool, and I liked the funny parts, but the story felt like I’d read something similar before. I was hoping for more surprises or new things to happen.
The drawings are still really awesome and made the book fun to read, but the story just didn’t grab my attention as much as other Dork Diaries books. I still like Nikki and her adventures, but this one wasn’t my favorite.
6:09 am
All part of my daughters reading journey
5:55 pm
Dorks rule
10:49 am
Good overall!
9:22 pm
It's a winner.
Dorktastic.
1:17 pm
A winning format
Overall, I think it is the way the Dork Daires are written and presented that make it a hit with independent readers.
The font is large, the writing format used is dairy entries, making the book easy to put down or pick up as required, and there are lots of illustrations.
For parents with tween girls in particular, who are wanting to get their kids to read more,
DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK is a good start.
11:17 pm
Daughters long time favourite
10:22 pm
A great read
For parents wanting to encourage their daughters reading the dork diaries are a wondeful place to start.
Since reviewing DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK, I am much more familiar with the brand and Miss Nine has read the whole series.
9:49 pm
Dork diaries party time
11:16 pm
Amusing story!
You know it must be funny when you hear them chuckling out loud.
The text is large and easily read and it is written in a diary entry format so it is easy to stop and start without losing your place.
The illustrations also add to the story, usually being very amusing.
Since reading DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK my girls have gone on to read more books from the series.
12:31 pm
My daughter loves these books
9:52 am
Great book!
8:53 pm
Has now read most of the series!
Whenever Miss (now) nine gets hold of a dork diaries book, she starts reading right away and wants to read it cover to cover in one sitting.
The dork diaries is most definitely one of her favourite series to read and often looks for other titles when at our local library,
1:49 pm
sounds awesome and looks great
11:29 am
Great book
1:44 pm
Dork Diaries
7:32 am
Now wants to read the series!
3:11 pm
Fascinating Interesting Funny Read
8:15 pm
Well Loved
Master 11 loved this as again it shows him that it is ok to be him and that it is fine not to be like everyone else
Master 7 loves them and they are so easy to follow for him and he finds that he gets a lot out of them.
Love the fact I can get one series off books that 3 totally different children love to read
8:03 pm
A big thumbs up
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