Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Dear Dumb Diary

film

Dear Dumb Diary

2013

Based on the best selling series "Dear Dumb Diary" by Jim Benton. Follow Jamie Kelly, as she navigates Mackeral Middle School with the help of her best friend Isabella, her nemesis Angeline and the boy of her dreams, Hudson.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Generally mild family viewing, with school bullying, humiliation, a minor accidental injury, attempted theft, dishonesty, and emotionally awkward relationship themes. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance2/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Products & advertising1/5

Strongest positives

  • Good role models3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The title originates from a book series, but no overt commercial product placement.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Some mild teasing and name-calling typical of middle school conflicts.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A middle-school crush and adult dating, engagement, and wedding plans are recurring but light and non-explicit.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

No scary or frightening content.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Minor, cartoonish slapstick or accidental physical comedy involved.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Characters face their fears of social embarrassment.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Features journaling and creative problem-solving regarding school activities.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

General representation of middle school students; no significant focus on diverse identities.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Covers social-emotional learning regarding school relationships.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Helping a rival, supporting friends, protecting someone from humiliation, and creating a charity are central positive actions.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The film emphasizes honesty, empathy, inner worth, inclusion, helping others, and repairing friendships after harmful choices.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Young characters make questionable choices, including lying and trying to expose a peer, but ultimately show accountability, courage, and compassion.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Which character was the best role model, and what did they do that you admired?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in Dear Dumb Diary would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Dear Dumb Diary, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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