10+ Best Funny Books for 10-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner to keep your 10-12-year-olds giggling? Look no further! Our roundup of funny books for 10-12-year-olds is packed with stories that are sure to tickle their funny bones. From uproarious characters to hilarious mishaps, each book promises a bundle of laughs and delightful surprises. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will not only entertain but also inspire a love of reading in your young ones!

Fun Funny Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The book chronicles the adventures and misadventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates middle school life, dealing with bullies, family dynamics, and the quest for popularity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilarious and relatable, capturing the awkward moments of growing up with a light-hearted touch. The illustrations add an extra layer of humor and appeal.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and those who might be feeling a bit anxious about middle school.

• The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book follows the story of Miles Murphy, who moves to a new town and meets Niles Sparks, another prankster. Together, they form an unlikely partnership to pull off the biggest prank their school has ever seen.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of clever pranks and witty banter that will keep readers laughing, encouraging creative thinking and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Prank lovers and creative thinkers who enjoy a good chuckle and tales of friendship.

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in a bizarre school built 30 stories high, each chapter tells a quirky story about a different student or teacher at Wayside School.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its absurd humor and imaginative plot twists make reading a fun and unpredictable experience.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate the absurd and surreal, and anyone who’s looking for a break from the ordinary.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because he refuses to eat boys and girls.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book combines whimsy and wordplay to create a story that's as heartwarming as it is humorous, promoting values like kindness and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who loves stories where the underdog comes out on top.

• Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater, illustrated by Robert Lawson
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mr. Popper is a house painter who dreams of polar explorations and unexpectedly receives a package with a live penguin, leading to a series of fun and chaotic events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming and funny tale that encourages imagination and shows the joy and chaos that come with following your dreams.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and any kid who dreams of the most unexpected things turning their world upside down.

Educational Funny Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This series begins with the story of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a Viking boy who must capture and train a dragon as a rite of passage.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creativity, understanding historical cultures
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with adventure and humor, making it an engaging read that also subtly teaches about responsibility and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and any child who loves dragons and Viking tales.

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book satirizes classic children's literature through the tale of the Willoughby siblings who seek to become "deserving orphans" like in old-fashioned stories, with hilariously unintended consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of literary styles and themes
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a clever, tongue-in-cheek critique of the orphan trope in children's literature, all while being extremely funny.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy satire and anyone with a quirky sense of humor.

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: A father goes to buy milk for his children's breakfast cereal and returns with wild tales of aliens, pirates, and time travel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, storytelling, narrative skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wildly imaginative story that celebrates the power of storytelling, filled with absurd humor and fantastic illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who loves a good, whimsical adventure story.

• The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book is the first in a series about Andy and Terry, who live in a treehouse with 13 stories (which grows in subsequent books), complete with a see-through swimming pool, a lemonade fountain, and a secret underground laboratory.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, engineering concepts, friendship
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a touch of whimsy and is filled with doodles and drawings that enhance the story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream big and enjoy stories with inventive settings and zany plots.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen knows how to make school more interesting, and when he decides to call a pen a "frindle," it sets off a chain reaction that changes his life and his town.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary building, understanding of linguistics, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that promotes creativity and shows the impact one small idea can have on a community.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and any student who might be inspired to think differently about the world around them.

Challenging Funny Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that require advanced reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s not only a page-turner but also encourages problem-solving and teamwork among young readers.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle solvers and young detectives who love a good challenge.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, captures a fairy and holds her for ransom to exploit the magical Fairy People and restore his family’s fortune.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates sophisticated themes such as technology, crime, and ethics, intertwined with complex character developments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling ride through a high-tech fairy world, blending magic with modern technology, ideal for readers who enjoy fast-paced, thought-provoking stories.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy tweens and fans of fantasy who enjoy a mix of humor and brainy plots.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Bored and disengaged, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich in wordplay, puns, and allegories that require a higher level of reading comprehension and an appreciation for nuanced language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and ideas, making it a stimulating read that celebrates learning and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who delight in word games and intellectual adventures.

• The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: When Earth is invaded by an alien race called the Boov, eleven-year-old Gratuity "Tip" Tucci sets off on a road trip to find her mother, accompanied by a banished Boov named J.Lo, leading to wild adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel tackles themes of colonization and cultural misunderstanding through a humorous, yet insightful narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a funny yet poignant exploration of friendship and diversity, wrapped in a quirky sci-fi adventure.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy science fiction and humorous takes on serious topics.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: In a tale of magic and witchcraft, a baby girl is accidentally enmagicked with moonlight and raised by a witch. As she grows, her magic becomes both a danger and a promise to the people who abandoned her.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of love, sacrifice, and power in a richly detailed fantasy setting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautifully written story that combines elements of magic, adventure, and humor with deep emotional resonance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love enchanting tales with strong female protagonists and rich, imaginative storytelling.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some hilarious books meant for 10-12-year-olds, why not make the reading experience even more engaging with a few simple exercises? These activities are designed to enhance understanding and make reading a habit that's both fun and rewarding. Let's check them out!

• Create a Laugh Tracker
  • What it is: Keep a small notebook or a section in your reading journal dedicated to recording every moment in the book that made you laugh.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to pay more attention to the humor in the stories and understand what makes things funny.
  • Tips: Jot down why you found something funny; this can help develop a deeper appreciation for different types of humor.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book as your favorite characters.
  • How it helps: Helps deepen your understanding of the characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Use props or costumes if possible to make the role-playing more exciting and realistic.

• Comic Strip Creation
  • What it is: Create comic strips based on funny scenes or chapters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances creativity and helps you visualize the story in a different medium.
  • Tips: Share your comics with friends or family members to see if your humor translates well!

• Discussion Group
  • What it is: Form a book club or a discussion group with friends who are reading the same book.
  • How it helps: Allows for sharing different perspectives and enhances comprehension through discussion.
  • Tips: Prepare a few questions or funny quotes to discuss beforehand to keep the conversation lively and focused.

• Book-to-Life Connection
  • What it is: Find real-life examples or situations that remind you of the humorous parts of the book.
  • How it helps: Helps connect reading material to the real world, making it more relevant and memorable.
  • Tips: Keep a list or make drawings of these connections in your reading journal or on a personal blog.

Wrapping it up, integrating these fun exercises into your reading routine not only makes the process more enjoyable but also helps you to develop lifelong reading habits. Give them a try and see how much more engaging your reading time can be! Happy reading and laughing!