Jeff Kinney boards ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck’ bus

Students at Franklin Avenue Elementary School cheer “Wimpy Kid” writer Jeff Kinney as he prepares to take the stage.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Jeff Kinney gets a not-so wimpy response from the kids at Franklin Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Jeff Kinney shows students at Franklin Avenue Elementary School how he comes up with the ideas for his “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Jeff Kinney’s presentation at Franklin Avenue Elementary School is part of his “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck” book tour.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Jeff Kinney is all smiles during his “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” presentation at Franklin Avenue Elementary School.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Jeff Kinney is on a cross-country tour aboard a distinctly green bus in support of his new “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck,” the eighth in the hit series.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)