10+ Best Funny Books for 11-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for a way to keep your tween entertained and reading? You're in the right place! Our roundup of funny books for 11-12-year-olds is packed with stories that are guaranteed to tickle their funny bone. Whether they're into quirky characters or hilarious mishaps, there's something here that will have them giggling through the pages. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are perfect for adding some laughter to their bookshelf!

Fun Funny Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates middle school, where he must deal with bullies, crushes, and the daily trials of being a pre-teen.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilariously relatable, and the illustrations complement the text perfectly, making it an easy read that keeps you laughing.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and those who might be a little nervous about middle school.

• The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book follows Miles Murphy, who moves to a new town and meets Niles Sparks. Together, they form a pranking duo to become the best pranksters at their school.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of clever pranks and witty humor, perfect for encouraging creative thinking and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Prank lovers and creative thinkers who appreciate a good joke.

• My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the 1980s, this novel follows Ebony-Grace Norfleet as she navigates the complexities of Harlem life while escaping into her own space-themed fantasy world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines imaginative storytelling with real-life issues, making it a captivating read that fosters empathy and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love science fiction and learning about different cultures.

• The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Dwight talks to his classmates through an origami finger puppet of Yoda, offering advice that surprisingly works.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's quirky and fun, with a unique format that includes doodles and different viewpoints from the characters.
  • Perfect for: Fans of "Star Wars" and anyone who enjoys a school story with a twist.

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Wayside School was supposed to be built with thirty classrooms all on one floor; instead, it was built sideways with the classrooms stacked on top of each other – and that’s just the beginning of the weirdness.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each chapter tells a bizarre, funny story about a different student or teacher, encouraging readers to expect the unexpected and enjoy the whimsy.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate the absurd and the surreal, and anyone who’s a bit of an oddball at heart.

Educational Funny Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book humorously parodies traditional children's stories featuring orphaned children and absentee parents. The Willoughby siblings concoct a cheeky plan to become orphans themselves, leading to unexpected adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, understanding of narrative styles and parody
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever and satirical look at classic children's literature, offering both humor and smart commentary.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a twist on the traditional and a good, clever laugh.

• The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Andy and Terry live in a 13-story treehouse with everything you can imagine: a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, and even a marshmallow machine. Their zany adventures are as wild as their home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, imagination, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with whimsical illustrations and crazy ideas that make reading both engaging and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream big and love stories that spark imagination.

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This wildly entertaining tale follows a father who goes out to buy milk and comes back with incredible stories of aliens, pirates, and time travel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative writing, storytelling, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: Neil Gaiman's storytelling is both hilarious and creative, making for a fun and fast-paced read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a penchant for adventure and a good sense of humor.

• The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mildred Hubble is a young witch attending Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches, but she's probably the worst witch ever. Follow her humorous misadventures as she tries to get through witch school.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading confidence, empathy, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming and funny story that encourages persistence and finding one's own way, even in the face of mishaps.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring witches and wizards, and anyone who's ever felt a little out of place.

• Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Alvin Ho is a second grader who's afraid of everything, especially school. This book is a hilarious take on the challenges and anxieties of school life through the eyes of a frightfully shy child.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, social skills, coping strategies
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great mix of humor and heart, showing kids that it's okay to be scared and that they're not alone in their fears.
  • Perfect for: Children who find school daunting, and anyone who enjoys a humorous look at overcoming fears.

Challenging Funny Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl is a twelve-year-old genius who embarks on a daring mission to restore his family's fortune by kidnapping a fairy and demanding a ransom in gold. The story combines high-tech modern day settings with the magical world of fairies.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex plots with high-tech and magical elements, as well as a unique blend of modern and fantasy languages.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that introduces readers to a brilliant anti-hero while exploring themes of morality, technology, and the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a good mix of technology and fantasy, and those who like stories with morally ambiguous characters.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • 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 disaster.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book presents intricate puzzles and mysteries that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, bravery, and teamwork, and is filled with intriguing brain teasers that keep readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy solving mysteries and cracking codes.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason, and bring order back to a world tangled with literal and figurative problems.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and philosophical ideas, which challenge the reader's understanding of language and metaphor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an imaginative journey that encourages curiosity and the exploration of the world through a different lens.
  • Perfect for: Kids who delight in wordplay and whimsical adventures that stretch their imagination and linguistic skills.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover the Symphony of Smells, a box of vials that leads them to investigate a magician's notebook and a mysterious cult. Their journey is filled with codes, puzzles, and secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is interwoven with complex riddles and codes, alongside a non-linear storytelling style that requires attentive reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating mystery that engages readers with its interactive puzzles and secretive storyline.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love mysteries and adventures that involve secret societies and hidden clues.

• Half Magic by Edward Eager
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four siblings find a magic coin that grants wishes – but only half of what they wish for. The children must figure out how to make the best use of their wishes, leading to unexpected adventures and misadventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The concept of "half magic" introduces complex thinking about cause and effect, requiring readers to think critically about the outcomes of their desires.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and clever exploration of fantasy and the consequences of wishes, wrapped in delightful humor and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about magic with a twist and lessons about careful thinking and creativity.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of funny books for 11-12-year-olds, you're in for a treat! These books not only tickle the funny bone but also offer great opportunities to develop strong reading habits. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some engaging exercises that can help:

• Create a Laugh Tracker
  • What it is: Make a simple chart or list to keep track of all the moments that make you laugh while reading.
  • How it helps: This encourages you to pay more attention to what you're reading and think critically about humor.
  • Tips: Keep your tracker handy and jot down every chuckle or giggle as you read.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book, taking on the role of different characters.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of characters and dialogue, enhancing comprehension and retention.
  • Tips: Use props or costumes to make the role-playing more fun and engaging.

• Book Club Discussions
  • What it is: Form a book club with friends who are also reading the same funny books.
  • How it helps: Discussing the book with others can deepen understanding and appreciation of the story and characters.
  • Tips: Prepare a list of funny moments or interesting questions about the book for your club meetings.

• Illustrate Your Favorite Scene
  • What it is: Draw or paint a scene from the book that you found particularly funny or memorable.
  • How it helps: This helps visualize the story better and enhances memory of the plot and scenes.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic perfection; focus on expressing the scene's emotion and action.

• Quote Memorization Game
  • What it is: Memorize some of the funniest quotes from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory skills and helps you think about the language and expressions used by different characters.
  • Tips: Turn it into a game where you recite quotes with family or friends to see who remembers more.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic and interactive part of your day. So grab your book, pick an exercise, and let the fun begin! Happy reading!