The arc of the story follows Tad's attempts to fulfill his New Year's resolution, which involve him starting a blog, finishing seventh grade, learning to perform a kickflip on his skateboard, getting favorable attention from girls, and starting to shave.

[citation needed] Critical reception for Planet Tad was mixed.

[5] A reviewer for the New York Times wrote that the book did have an appeal but that it "only sometimes seems like the voice of an authentic 2012 seventh grader".

[6] Common Sense Media gave the book three stars, praising the book's funny moments while stating that Planet Tad was "heavy on consumer product and media references".

[7] Kirkus Reviews criticized the book, calling it "a phoned-in Diary of a Wimpy Kid wannabe" and "tedious".