10+ Best Comedy Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for a way to keep your 14-year-old entertained and giggling through the pages? You've hit the jackpot with our roundup of the best comedy books for 14-year-olds! Whether they're into quirky characters or hilarious, unexpected plots, we've got something that will tickle their funny bone. Keep reading to dive into our varied selections of comedy books that are perfect for young teens!

Fun Comedy Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures and misadventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates middle school with his best friend Rowley. Greg's diary entries and drawings chronicle his attempts to fit in and become popular.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilarious and relatable, making it a great pick to engage reluctant readers and show them that reading can be fun and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy humorous stories about school life and friendship.

• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Ellen Forney
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Comedy, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Deciding to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with serious themes, offering a nuanced view of Indian life while tackling issues like identity and belonging.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a funny yet impactful story about adolescence and self-discovery.

• I Funny: A Middle School Story by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein, illustrated by Laura Park
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Jamie Grimm is a middle schooler on a mission to become the world's greatest stand-up comedian—even though he's bound to a wheelchair. This book chronicles his attempts to win the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic contest.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of laughs and resilience, encouraging readers to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love a mix of comedy and inspiration, and anyone who enjoys stories of overcoming adversity.

• The Misadventures of Max Crumbly: Locker Hero by Rachel Renée Russell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Max Crumbly is about to face the scariest place he's ever been: middle school. But when just trying to survive it turns into a struggle when he gets stuffed into his locker, and that's just the start of his problems.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a spinoff from the popular Dork Diaries series and offers a similar blend of humor and school drama that's perfect for engaging young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of the Dork Diaries or anyone who enjoys humorous tales of school mishaps and adventures.

• Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Comedy, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Art club and science club are at war, but things really start to get awkward when Peppi Torres bumps into Jaime Thompson on her first day at her new school and pushes him away in a panic, leading to a rocky start at middle school.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the nuances of middle school life and the struggle to fit in, all wrapped up in a humorous and visually engaging graphic novel.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories about school dynamics and those who appreciate graphic novels with a light-hearted touch.

Educational Comedy Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Young Adult, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: Nate Foster, an unpopular 13-year-old, sneaks away from his small town to audition for a Broadway musical in New York City, believing that his star talent will finally be recognized.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-expression, understanding of LGBTQ+ themes, cultural awareness, and perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and heartwarming tale that encourages readers to chase their dreams and be true to themselves, despite the odds.
  • Perfect for: Teens who dream of the spotlight and anyone who enjoys a good laugh mixed with motivational themes.

• The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Middle Grade, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Dwight talks to his classmates via an origami finger puppet of Yoda, dispensing wisdom that's surprisingly accurate. The book explores whether the puppet really can predict the future or if it's just a coincidence.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, problem-solving, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a unique plot that captivates and entertains, while subtly enhancing problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love Star Wars, origami, or stories about school life with a magical twist.

• Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Liam is too tall for his age, and sometimes even mistaken for an adult. This leads to an out-of-this-world adventure when he finds himself pretending to be a dad to win a space competition.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethics, responsibility, physics, and astronomy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and adventurous story that also poses thoughtful questions about what it means to be grown up.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who fantasize about space travel and enjoy stories with both humor and heart.

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Family, Satire
  • Synopsis: This book parodies classic children's tales featuring four siblings who devise a plan to turn themselves into deserving orphans after being neglected by their selfish parents.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Literary analysis, understanding of satire, vocabulary development
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a clever and witty look at family dynamics, wrapped in a style that's both smart and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a mix of classic literature references and modern humor.

• Public School Superhero by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts, illustrated by Cory Thomas
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Middle Grade, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: In a tough inner-city school, Kenny Wright is a chess-loving sixth grader who imagines himself as a superhero. When he's not daydreaming about being a hero, he's navigating the complex world of middle school and standing up for what's right.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, social awareness, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends humor with real-life challenges, offering a story that's both engaging and inspiring.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about heroes in everyday life and fans of graphic novels.

Challenging Comedy Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The book follows Greg Gaines, an awkward high school senior who avoids social interactions like the plague. His life takes a turn when his mom forces him to befriend a classmate with leukemia.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles themes of illness and death through a humorous lens, which requires a mature understanding to appreciate the balance of comedy and tragedy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique and humorous take on serious subjects, helping readers deal with difficult topics through laughter and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy dark humor and stories about high school life.

• An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Colin Singleton, a child prodigy, has dated—and been dumped by—19 girls named Katherine. On a road trip with his best friend, he endeavors to prove a mathematical theorem about predicting the outcome of any relationship.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates mathematical equations and graphs to explore themes of love and relationships, presenting an intellectual challenge to readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a smart, witty book that combines humor with a love story, all while challenging the reader’s mind with mathematical concepts.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in a mix of science, math, and romance.

• Going Bovine by Libba Bray
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Cameron Smith is diagnosed with mad cow disease and given limited time to live. He embarks on a surreal and bizarre journey across the United States to find a cure.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative’s blend of reality with fantasy elements, as well as its existential questions, make it a complex read.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a mix of absurdity and profound insights, making it a fascinating journey that’s both humorous and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love quirky adventures and existential humor.

• Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: A plane crash strands a group of beauty pageant contestants on a deserted island, turning their quest for tiaras into a survival of the fittest scenario.
  • Why this book is challenging: It satirizes consumer culture, gender stereotypes, and corporate sponsorship, requiring readers to understand and appreciate layered humor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a hilarious critique of popular culture wrapped in a survival story, offering both entertainment and a critical look at society.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy satire and are critical of mainstream media and culture.

• King Dork by Frank Portman
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: High school outsider Tom Henderson discovers his dead father’s copy of "The Catcher in the Rye," leading him on a quest to uncover family secrets and the truth about his father’s death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex characters and a multi-layered plot that intertwines personal discovery with a critique of classic literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a smart and biting look at the angst of high school life and the mysteries of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love music, mystery, and a critical look at revered classics.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of comedy books, you're in for a treat. But to make the most out of your reading, why not try some exercises to enhance your experience? These simple activities are perfect for 14-year-olds looking to develop good reading habits while enjoying some good laughs. Here’s a list of exercises that you can incorporate into your reading routine:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you consistently engaged and helps in completing books.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the book’s content.
  • Tips: Try to express what made you laugh and why.

• Book Pairing
  • What it is: Choose another book or media related to the theme or style of the comedy.
  • How it helps: Expands understanding and appreciation of different comedic approaches.
  • Tips: Pair a book with a movie or a stand-up comedy special.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Look up words that are unfamiliar as you read.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of humor.
  • Tips: Keep a dictionary or use a dictionary app while reading.

• Reflect After Reading
  • What it is: Spend a few minutes thinking about the book after you finish a reading session.
  • How it helps: Helps in forming opinions and remembering key details.
  • Tips: Write down your thoughts or discuss them to reinforce what you've read.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only improve your habits but also enhance your enjoyment and understanding of comedy books. So, grab your next funny book, pick a cozy corner, and start reading with these tips in mind. Happy reading!