Rachel Renée Russell ​

Rachel Renée Russell is an American author primarily known for writing the popular Dork Diaries series, which follows the life of Nikki Maxwell in and outside of middle school. Russell also writes the The Misadventures of Max Crumbly series.

Quick Facts ​

• Known for writing the popular children's book series, Dork Diaries
• The series, written in a diary format, uses drawings, doodles, and comic strips to chronicle the daily life of the main character.
• More than 45 million copies of her books have been sold worldwide.
• The Dork Diaries series has been translated into 42 languages.
• Two of her books have been adapted into a TV series by Nickelodeon.

Background ​

Russell was born in 1959 in Saint Joseph, Michigan. She always loved writing and making up stories. She studied psychology at Northwestern University and then got a job at a health maintenance organization. In 2004, she wrote her first book, Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life, which was published in 2009 as the first book of the Dork Diaries series. Her writing style, which combines diary entries with drawings, has been compared to Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Her books have been translated into 32 languages and have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. As a successful author, she co-writes the Dork Diaries series with her daughters, Erin and Nikki Russell.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Russell's writing style is light, humorous, and relatable, especially for young readers. Her work often uses illustrations and creative fonts to engage her readers and to represent the diary format of her characters' stories. Her depiction of the unique challenges and experiences of adolescence has made her a favorite among tweens. Her emphasis on themes like friendship, self-esteem, and individualism has been credited with helping young readers navigate their own experiences.

Notable Works ​

• Dork Diaries series (2009-present)
• The Misadventures of Max Crumbly series (2016-present)