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

Looking for the perfect way to keep your tween entertained and reading? Dive into our handpicked selection of funny books for 12-year-olds that promise laughter and light-hearted fun on every page! Whether your child loves quirky characters, hilarious misadventures, or clever plot twists, we’ve got something that will tickle their funny bone. Keep reading to discover our favorite funny books for 12-year-olds that are sure to be a hit!

Fun Funny Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures and misadventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges of middle school with his best friend Rowley.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilarious and relatable, capturing the awkward moments of being a pre-teen. The illustrations add a fun element that keeps readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and stories about school life.

• The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: When prankster Miles Murphy moves to a new town, he meets Niles, an existing prankster, and they team up to pull off the biggest prank ever to earn the title of the best pranksters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of clever pranks and witty humor, perfect for encouraging creativity and a love of reading.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a good prank and stories of friendship and rivalry.

• The Odd 1s Out: How to Be Cool and Other Things I Definitely Learned from Growing Up by James Rallison
  • Genre(s): Humor, Graphic Novel, Autobiography
  • Synopsis: A collection of hilarious and insightful comics by popular YouTuber James Rallison, who shares stories from his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's funny and authentic, offering comic relief as well as life lessons through engaging storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Fans of YouTube culture and comic book enthusiasts.

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a bizarre school built vertically with one classroom on each floor, this book follows the strange and funny events that happen to the students at Wayside School.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its absurd and surreal humor is a great way to capture the imagination of young readers and keep them entertained.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy quirky stories and imaginative tales.

• My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian, illustrated by Jake Tashjian
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Derek Fallon finds a way to make summer reading interesting after discovering a series of cartoons illustrating a mystery hidden in the pages of a book.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines text and cartoons, making reading fun and accessible, especially for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who might be more visually oriented and anyone looking for a fun mystery.

Educational Funny Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This enchanting story revolves around a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally given magical powers as a baby when she is fed moonlight by a kind witch. As Luna grows, her magic becomes both a danger and a gift, leading her to uncover profound truths about her family and her village.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding of narrative structure and elements of fantasy
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magic, adventure, and deep emotional insight, making it not only captivating but also a great tool for emotional and ethical development.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magical stories and exploring complex characters and themes.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Young Milo is bored with everything until he drives through a magical tollbooth in his toy car and finds himself in the Kingdom of Wisdom, where he embarks on a quest that requires him to think differently and solve a variety of puzzles and riddles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, vocabulary, appreciation for puns and wordplay
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, imaginative journey that encourages creativity and critical thinking through its clever use of language and whimsical plot.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, word games, and whimsical adventures.

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young
  • Genre(s): Humor, Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This hilarious tale follows a father who goes out to buy milk and comes back with wild stories of aliens, pirates, and time travel. It’s a thrilling adventure that keeps readers guessing what's real and what's just a tall tale.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, storytelling, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with Neil Gaiman's signature wit and charm, making it an engaging read that sparks imagination.
  • Perfect for: Children who love fantastical stories and have a good sense of humor.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: When fifth-grader Nick Allen learns about how words are created, he decides to rename a pen "frindle." What starts as a small idea turns into a school-wide movement, showing the power of words and ideas.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of language, creativity, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a clever exploration of language and creativity, wrapped up in a funny and relatable school story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are curious about words and enjoy school stories with a twist.

• 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.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, logical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that combines humor, mystery, and clever puzzles, perfect for keeping readers engaged and thinking critically.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love solving mysteries and puzzles while enjoying a good laugh.

Challenging Funny Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This satirical tale follows the Willoughby children, who, inspired by classic orphan stories, decide to become orphans themselves by plotting to send their selfish parents away. The siblings embark on a series of humorous and unexpected adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel plays with and subverts typical children’s literature tropes, requiring readers to understand these conventions to fully appreciate the humor and satire.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's clever and hilariously dark, offering a fresh twist on traditional children's tales while encouraging critical thinking about the nature of storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy satire and are familiar with classic children’s literature.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genius, and above all, a criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit, to harness their magical powers and save his family.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex plots with high-tech and magical elements, along with a sophisticated vocabulary that challenges advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes fantasy, humor, and crime caper elements, making it exciting and intellectually stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy with a twist of cunning and humor.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: A bizarre assortment of heirs gather for the reading of the eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing’s will, only to find that the inheritance comes with a catch: they must solve the mystery of his death through clues given in pairs.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate plot and large cast of characters require careful reading and deductive reasoning to keep track of the clues and suspects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterfully crafted puzzle that combines suspense and humor, engaging readers in active problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy mysteries and games, or anyone who loves a good whodunit.

• Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Tired of traditional princess duties, Princess Cimorene volunteers to work for a dragon, finding herself embroiled in adventures involving wizards, witches, and other dragons. Her unconventional choices lead to unexpected friendships and challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story subverts typical fairy tale roles and themes, presenting a heroine who uses intelligence and pragmatism over magic and might.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a witty, empowering tale that promotes independence and thinking differently, wrapped in a fun, fantastical adventure.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for strong female characters and a humorous twist on fairy tales.

• The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: When the alien Boov invade Earth, 11-year-old Gratuity "Tip" Tucci embarks on a cross-country road trip to find her mother, accompanied by a renegade Boov mechanic named J.Lo. Together, they tackle the challenge of intergalactic friendship and saving the planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates complex themes of colonialism and identity within its humorous and fantastical plot, requiring readers to think critically about underlying social issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a heartfelt story of friendship and resilience, all set in a creatively imagined future Earth.
  • Perfect for: Sci-fi enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a good laugh with their alien adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of funny books for 12-year-olds, you're in for a treat. But how can you make the most out of your reading experience? Here are some fun exercises designed to enhance your reading habits and make every page even more enjoyable. Let’s get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many books or pages you want to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can keep you motivated and excited about reading.
  • Tips: Keep your goals realistic and adjust them based on your schedule and reading speed.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Having a dedicated space can make reading a more enjoyable and regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting. Add some personal touches like cushions or posters!

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the books you are reading with your friends or family.
  • How it helps: Discussing the book can deepen your understanding and enhance your enjoyment.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where everyone reads the same book and then talks about it.

• Book Selection Day
  • What it is: Set a day to browse and select new funny books to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps the excitement alive and gives you something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Use this time to explore different authors and genres within comedy.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Challenge yourself to read something outside of your usual preferences.
  • How it helps: Expands your horizons and helps you discover new interests.
  • Tips: You could choose a book from a different culture, a non-fiction book, or a historical comedy.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw your favorite scene or character from your current book.
  • How it helps: Enhances your creative skills and helps you connect more deeply with the book.
  • Tips: Don’t worry about your artistic skills; focus on expressing how the scene made you feel.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from your readings.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can really boost your engagement and enjoyment of books. Whether you're giggling through a funny plot or sketching a hilarious character, each activity is designed to enrich your reading experience. So grab your book, find your nook, and let the fun begin!