10+ Best Funny Books for 16-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for a way to brighten up your day or add some laughter to your reading list? If you're a 16-year-old or shopping for one, diving into funny books can be the perfect escape. Our latest roundup features a variety of hilarious reads tailored just for you. Keep reading to discover our top picks for funny books for 16-year-olds that are guaranteed to keep you chuckling from start to finish!

Fun Funny Books for 16-Year-Olds

• Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Comedy, Drama
  • Synopsis: The story is about Greg Gaines, an awkward high school senior who tries to coast through his final year unnoticed. His plans go awry when his mom forces him to rekindle his childhood friendship with Rachel, a classmate who has been diagnosed with leukemia.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes humor with heartfelt moments, making it a great read for teens who might be dealing with heavy topics but appreciate a lighter, more humorous approach.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a laugh but also a touch of real-life drama.

• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Ellen Forney
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Humor, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This semi-autobiographical novel follows Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined 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 offers a blend of humor and poignant observations about life and identity, making complex issues accessible and relatable to teen readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories about personal growth and overcoming adversity.

• An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Comedy
  • Synopsis: After being dumped by nineteen girls named Katherine, child prodigy Colin Singleton embarks on a road trip with his friend Hassan to prove a mathematical theorem about predicting the end of romantic relationships and to win back his ex.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's smart, funny, and uniquely explores themes of love and friendship through mathematical concepts, appealing directly to teens who enjoy intellectual humor and quirky romance.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love nerdy protagonists and math jokes mixed with their romantic mishaps.

• Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Adventure, Satire
  • Synopsis: A plane crash strands a group of beauty pageant contestants on a deserted island, turning their quest for tiaras into a wild, comedic survival story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It satirizes reality TV, beauty standards, and corporate sponsorship, offering sharp-witted humor that encourages critical thinking about media and society.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of satire, adventure, and strong, diverse female characters.

• Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Comedy, Memoir
  • Synopsis: This collection of illustrated essays is based on the author's wildly popular blog and includes stories about her childhood, her quirky no-filter observations, and her battles with depression.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique blend of hilarious anecdotes and raw emotional honesty makes it a compelling read for teens dealing with their own ups and downs.
  • Perfect for: Teens who appreciate a humorous take on serious issues and enjoy narrative-driven graphic novels.

Educational Funny Books for 16-Year-Olds

• The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Humor, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In this second book of "A Series of Unfortunate Events," the Baudelaire orphans are sent to live with Dr. Montgomery Montgomery, a herpetologist with a room full of exotic reptiles. The plot thickens with the arrival of a suspicious assistant, and the children must thwart his wicked plans.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, vocabulary expansion
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines dark humor with a thrilling mystery, engaging young readers while subtly enhancing their analytical and vocabulary skills.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of humor, suspense, and a clever narrative.

• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Comedy
  • Synopsis: This classic novel follows Arthur Dent, a haplessly average Earthling, who discovers the galaxy with the help of a bewildering guidebook after Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Satirical and critical thinking, imaginative reasoning, understanding complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a masterclass in British wit and cosmic irony, providing endless entertainment and a unique perspective on life and the universe.
  • Perfect for: Sci-fi enthusiasts and anyone who loves their humor with a side of existential thought.

• Going Bovine by Libba Bray
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Cameron Smith is diagnosed with mad cow disease and embarks on a road trip to find a cure. Along the way, he encounters a punk angel, a dwarf, and a yard gnome who might be Norse god Balder.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, empathy, cultural and mythological literacy
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s wildly imaginative and hilariously absurd, perfect for encouraging creative thinking and empathy through its uniquely bizarre adventures.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy surreal humor and quirky, unexpected journeys.

• Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Comedy, Romance
  • Synopsis: This diary-format story follows 14-year-old Georgia Nicolson as she navigates the trials of being a teenager, including dealing with embarrassing parents, high school crushes, and the quest for the perfect snogging technique.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, emotional intelligence, cultural understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s laugh-out-loud funny and incredibly relatable, offering a candid and uproarious look at teenage life.
  • Perfect for: Teens who appreciate a good laugh about the awkwardness of growing up.

• Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: An angel and a demon, accustomed to life on Earth, team up to prevent the coming of the Antichrist and the final battle between Heaven and Hell. This unlikely duo goes through various comedic trials to maintain the balance of the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, religious and historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly combines humor with philosophical and theological questions, making big concepts accessible and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a humorous twist on biblical lore and philosophical dilemmas.

Challenging Funny Books for 16-Year-Olds

• Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
  • Genre(s): Satire, Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, this novel follows Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier, and a host of other eccentric characters stationed on the fictional Mediterranean island of Pianosa. Yossarian is caught in the absurdity of war, where the only way to preserve one's life is to fulfill an ever-increasing number of combat missions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The non-linear timeline, extensive cast of characters, and the satirical presentation of serious themes such as death and sanity make this a complex read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brilliant satire that critiques bureaucracy and the absurdity of war, offering deep insights and dark humor that are both intellectually stimulating and profoundly moving.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate irony and are looking to explore complex themes through satire.

• A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Satire
  • Synopsis: This novel features the comedic adventures of Ignatius J. Reilly, a lazy, obese, misanthropic, and highly educated man living with his mother in New Orleans in the 1960s. Ignatius's hilarious escapades are peppered with his sharp criticisms of society and culture.
  • Why this book is challenging: The sophisticated vocabulary, the dense comedic references, and the portrayal of various dialects require a mature understanding and appreciation for linguistic nuances.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterclass in character development and dialogue, filled with wit and a deep critique of modern society that remains relevant today.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy exploring unique characters and complex social satire.

• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard
  • Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Absurdist Fiction
  • Synopsis: This play is an absurdist, existentialist tragicomedy that follows Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, who are now the leads in their own story, struggling with destiny, free will, and the reality of their existence.
  • Why this book is challenging: The play’s abstract themes, its play within a play structure, and Stoppard’s intellectual humor demand a high level of interpretative skills and familiarity with Shakespeare.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a hilarious yet profound look at life and fate, providing a fresh perspective on a classic story through witty dialogue and thought-provoking scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in classic literature, philosophy, and metafiction.

• The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Farce, Satire
  • Synopsis: This play is a sharp satire of Victorian society, focusing on two men who use the same pseudonym, "Ernest," for their on-the-sly activities. Hilarity ensues with a series of comic misunderstandings and sharp dialogues.
  • Why this book is challenging: Wilde’s use of wit, irony, and satire to critique social conventions and hypocrisy requires a keen understanding of Victorian culture and societal norms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s brilliantly funny and offers timeless observations on identity, social obligations, and the triviality of societal norms.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love witty, fast-paced comedies that also serve as smart social commentaries.

• Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is a humorous account of the life of Christ, told from the perspective of "Biff," Christ’s best friend, who has been resurrected in the 20th century to write a new gospel. Biff's story fills in the missing years of Jesus’s life with wit and irreverence.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blending of biblical events with modern humor and slang, alongside philosophical and theological exploration, makes this a unique and complex read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively mixes biblical history with fantasy and humor, providing entertainment and a provocative twist on familiar stories.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a humorous and imaginative twist on historical or religious tales.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 16 and looking to dive into some hilarious reads while also building solid reading habits, you've come to the right place. Here are a few exercises designed to make your reading experience not only enjoyable but also beneficial in the long run. Let's get started!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create consistency and builds a reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with a small, manageable goal and gradually increase it.

• 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 free from distractions.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in or start a book club with friends who enjoy funny books.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the content.
  • Tips: Choose books that all members will enjoy and rotate who picks the book.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize an app to track your reading habits and discover new books.
  • How it helps: Keeps you organized and motivated; offers personalized recommendations.
  • Tips: Explore apps like Goodreads for community reviews and tracking progress.

• Share Your Reads on Social Media
  • What it is: Post about the funny books you’re reading on your social media platforms.
  • How it helps: Encourages accountability and connects you with fellow readers.
  • Tips: Use hashtags to join broader conversations and discover similar interests.

• Reflect on Your Reading
  • What it is: Take a few minutes to reflect on what you read each day.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Write a brief summary or record your thoughts in a voice memo.

So, why not pick up a funny book and try out these exercises? Not only will you have a great time laughing, but you'll also develop habits that enhance your reading skills and enjoyment. Happy reading!