10+ Best Funny Books for 9-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for a way to keep your 9-12-year-olds entertained and giggling through their reading time? You’ve hit the jackpot! Our latest roundup of funny books for 9-12-year-olds is packed with stories that promise laughter and joy. From quirky characters to hilarious mishaps, each book is a treasure trove of fun. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to be a hit with the young readers in your life!

Fun Funny Books for 9-12-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 middle school with his best friend Rowley. The diary format captures all the hilarious details of Greg's life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly relatable and funny, making it a great pick to engage reluctant readers and show them that reading can be fun and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love comics and stories about school life.

• The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Miles Murphy is not happy about moving to Yawnee Valley, a place known for cows and not much else. He plans to be the best prankster at his new school, but there's already a king of pranks there: Niles Sparks.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a story of rivalry and friendship, which is perfect for teaching lessons about competition and camaraderie.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy pranks and laughter-filled stories.

• 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 rooms stacked one on top of the other – except for the 19th floor, which does not exist. The characters and the stories are absurdly funny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a whimsical collection of tales that encourage creativity and thinking outside the box.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate quirky humor and imaginative stories.

• 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, unlike other giants, does not eat children. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the man-eating giants.
  • Why we recommend this book: Dahl's unique language play and imaginative plot make reading a delight, fostering a love for storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical adventures and making new friends in unexpected ways.

• My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian, illustrated by Jake Tashjian
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Derek Fallon discovers a way to make reading more enjoyable after he finds a series of cartoons illustrating pages in his summer reading list.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly mixes traditional text with visual elements, which can help visual learners and reluctant readers get more excited about reading.
  • Perfect for: Students who struggle with reading or prefer visual learning.

• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Two fourth-graders, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, create a superhero named Captain Underpants, who accidentally becomes real when their principal is hypnotized to think he’s the superhero.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its mix of text and comic-style illustrations makes it an engaging read, and its humor is perfect for keeping young readers entertained.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comics and superhero stories with a lot of laughs.

Educational Funny Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Brian Biggs
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Young Frank Einstein loves figuring out how the world works by using science. He creates two robots, Klink and Klank, to help with his experiments. The trio embarks on adventures to invent the Antimatter Motor, a device that could potentially revolutionize energy sources.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, basic principles of physics and engineering
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines real science with wacky humor, making learning fun and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and scientists who love to laugh while they learn.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Roz, a robot, finds herself stranded on a remote, wild island. She must learn from the animals and adapt to survive. It's a heartwarming story of nature, technology, and unexpected friendships.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, adaptation, technology's role in society
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful mix of humor and touching moments, encouraging readers to think about how we interact with our environment.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about robots and nature, and enjoy tales of survival and friendship.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in his life, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond. With his faithful watchdog, Tock, Milo goes on a quest that takes him through such places as the Doldrums and the Mountains of Ignorance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever, playful book that uses puns and wordplay to engage readers in a fantastical adventure while subtly teaching lessons about life and learning.
  • Perfect for: Children who love word games, puzzles, and imaginative journeys.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism, Humor
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting story, a town sacrifices a baby each year to the witch in the forest to avoid her wrath, not knowing she's actually kind-hearted. The witch, Xan, saves these children, feeding them starlight except for one child, Luna, who accidentally gets moonlight, granting her magical powers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, ethics, fantasy literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends humor with poignant moments, offering a deep narrative that encourages empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical stories with complex characters and rich, emotional plots.

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: A father goes out to buy milk and returns with wild tales of aliens, pirates, and time travel. It’s a hilarious adventure that questions the line between truth and fiction.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, storytelling, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an uproarious, imaginative story that demonstrates the power of storytelling and the fun of a tall tale.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate a good laugh and enjoy stories that stretch the imagination.

Challenging Funny Books for 9-12-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 thwart a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that require advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with mystery and adventure, encouraging readers to think independently and creatively.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains in challenging scenarios.

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Parody, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This satirical take on classic children’s tales follows the Willoughby siblings who, feeling neglected by their selfish parents, decide to become "deserving orphans" and embark on their own adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book plays with complex vocabulary and literary references that require a higher level of reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a witty and clever parody that offers a fresh perspective on traditional children’s literature themes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy smart humor and exploring different styles of storytelling.

• The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
  • Genre(s): Humor, Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Miss Penelope Lumley is hired as a governess to three wild children who were raised by wolves. She must teach them how to fit into society, unraveling the mystery of their origins along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates elements of Victorian literature and culture, which are typically not familiar to younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous and heartwarming story that combines a quirky plot with lessons about acceptance and family.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and mysteries with a touch of humor.

• 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 and get involved in a secret society, facing dangers and decoding clues that lead them to a magical secret.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features a non-linear narrative and interactive puzzles that engage readers in critical thinking and deduction.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of humor and mystery, making the adventurous puzzles exciting and intellectually stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love secrets, codes, and unraveling mysteries.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, 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 complex language, high-tech jargon, and intricate plots that challenge advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling blend of magic, technology, and crime that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while also making them laugh.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fast-paced, fantastical adventures with a tech-savvy twist.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the hilarious world of books aimed at 9-12-year-olds, it's a great opportunity to develop some fantastic reading habits that can last a lifetime. Here are a few fun exercises that can make reading even more engaging for this age group. Let's check them out!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and builds a regular reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and distraction-free environment that can enhance focus.
  • Tips: Decorate the space with fun lights or posters to make it inviting.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club where you and your friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Choose books that everyone is excited about to keep the group engaged.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology by using an app that tracks reading progress.
  • How it helps: Motivates readers by showing them how much they've accomplished.
  • Tips: Look for apps that offer rewards or badges for milestones.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Spend some time reading out loud from a book each day.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading skills.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• 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.

Wrapping up, incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can make reading a more enjoyable and enriching experience. Remember, the key is to keep it fun and light, just like the funny books you're exploring. Happy reading!