10+ Best Funny Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for a way to keep your teen entertained and giggling through the pages? You're in the right place! Our roundup of funny books for 13-year-olds is packed with titles that promise laughter and light-hearted moments. Whether your teen is into quirky characters or hilarious misadventures, we've got something that will tickle their funny bone. Keep reading to discover our top picks for funny books that are perfect for 13-year-olds!

Fun Funny Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures and misadventures of middle-schooler Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges of school and family life, all recorded in his diary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilarious and relatable, making it a great way to engage young readers with its blend of text and cartoons.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and stories about school life.

• The Misadventures of Max Crumbly: Locker Hero by Rachel Renée Russell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Max Crumbly faces the scariest place he’s ever been: middle school. But when he gets stuffed into his locker for the umpteenth time, he discovers he may be a hero after all.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a message of overcoming adversity, ideal for encouraging resilience and self-confidence.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like stories of underdogs and unexpected heroes.

• 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, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of hilarious and insightful stories from the author's life, showcasing how awkward it is to grow up.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s filled with comedic tales that also offer comfort in knowing everyone goes through awkward phases.
  • Perfect for: Fans of YouTube culture and those who appreciate self-deprecating humor.

• Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova (Illustrator: Svetlana Chmakova)
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Art club and science club go head-to-head in this story about middle schoolers navigating the challenges of friendships and crushes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully portrays the ups and downs of middle school life through engaging artwork and storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy graphic novels and stories about school dynamics.

• Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts (Illustrator: Laura Park)
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Rafe Khatchadorian thinks he has it tough at school, so he sets out to break every one of the school’s overly strict rules.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an entertaining and rebellious look at school life that encourages creativity and thinking outside the box.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel constrained by rules and dream of shaking things up.

Educational Funny Books for 13-Year-Olds

• How to Be a Math Genius by Mike Goldsmith
  • Genre(s): Educational, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book explores the world of mathematics through fun facts, puzzles, and real-life applications that make math exciting and accessible.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mathematical thinking, problem-solving skills, logical reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents math in a fun and engaging way, breaking the stereotype that math is boring and hard to understand.
  • Perfect for: Kids who find traditional math classes dull and are looking for a more entertaining approach.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (Illustrator: Jules Feiffer)
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Young Milo is bored with life until he drives through a magic tollbooth and finds himself on a whimsical adventure in a land of puns and puzzles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary expansion, critical thinking, appreciation of language and wordplay
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy and humor with a love for language that can inspire creativity and a deeper understanding of the power of words.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love adventure and word games.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Humor
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting tale, a girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon must unlock her full magical potential to save her community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, empathy, imaginative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that combines humor with poignant moments, encouraging readers to find magic in the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and magical realism.

• The Worst Class Trip Ever by Dave Barry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Wyatt Palmer’s class trip to Washington, D.C., turns into an unexpected adventure full of humor and suspense when he suspects a group of mysterious men are planning a terrorist attack.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of civic education, situational awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and thrilling story that also imparts important lessons about responsibility and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Middle schoolers who enjoy stories that mix real-life scenarios with humor and suspense.

• Nicholas by René Goscinny (Illustrator: Jean-Jacques Sempé)
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures and misadventures of Nicholas and his friends, both in school and out, in this classic French series known for its wit and charm.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, social skills, language and vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous look at everyday life through the eyes of a child, making it relatable and fun for readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy playful stories about friendship and school life.

Challenging Funny Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • 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 hefty ransom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex plots and high-level vocabulary that challenge young readers' comprehension and critical thinking skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling blend of magic, technology, and crime that keeps readers engaged while expanding their imagination and vocabulary.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and are looking for a more sophisticated story.

• 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 a mysterious institution to stop a global disaster.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is filled with intricate puzzles and riddles that require advanced problem-solving skills and logical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and creativity, as well as teamwork and courage.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy solving puzzles and mysteries.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box that leads them on a thrilling adventure involving secret societies and immortal magicians.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses a non-linear narrative and includes complex concepts related to alchemy and history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating mystery that also plays with the concept of storytelling, engaging readers' curiosity and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love secrets, codes, and conspiracies.

• Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: When Georges moves into a new apartment complex, he meets Safer, a twelve-year-old self-appointed spy who ropes him into spying on their mysterious neighbor.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel deals with themes of trust, lying, and personal identity in a subtle and complex way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thoughtful exploration of friendship and the complexities of growing up, wrapped up in an engaging mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate realistic fiction with a twist of mystery.

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman (Illustrator: Skottie Young)
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: A father goes out to get milk and returns with wild tales of aliens, space-time travel, pirates, and dinosaurs.
  • Why this book is challenging: The whimsical and nonsensical elements challenge readers to keep up with the rapid shifts in the storyline.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and imaginative story that demonstrates the power of creativity and storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a big imagination and a love for outlandish adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of funny books and you're around 13 years old, you're in for a treat! Not only are these books a blast to read, but they also offer a great opportunity to develop some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can enhance your reading experience and make sure you get the most out of every giggle and guffaw.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you consistent and can turn reading into a daily habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home where you can read without interruptions.
  • 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 books you read with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention, plus it's fun to share laughs.
  • Tips: Try to express what you found funny and why.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read passages or dialogue out loud as if you’re performing.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and expression, and brings the humor to life!
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make it more entertaining.

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

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
  • How it helps: Enhances creativity and makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to picture the story and characters.

These exercises aren't just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading a fun part of your daily life. Give them a try, and see how much more engaging your reading sessions can be. Happy reading!