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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to keep your 10-year-old giggling through their reading time? Look no further! Our list of funny chapter books for 10-year-olds is packed with stories that promise loads of laughter and delightful surprises. From quirky characters to hilarious misadventures, each book is a gem that will surely keep your young reader entertained. Keep reading to discover our top picks for funny chapter books that are perfect for 10-year-olds!

Fun Funny Chapter Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures and misadventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates middle school with his best friend Rowley. Greg's diary entries detail his attempts to become popular and his frequent humorous mishaps.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable and genuinely funny, making it a great choice for engaging reluctant readers and encouraging a love for reading through laughter.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comic relief and stories about school life.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, doesn't eat children. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the man-eating giants from invading the human world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative storytelling and whimsical language, perfect for developing readers' vocabulary and reading confidence.
  • Perfect for: Children who love magical adventures and stories of friendship.

• My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian, illustrated by Jake Tashjian
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Derek Fallon finds a way to make summer more exciting by discovering a series of clues and puzzles that relate to a mystery from his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a compelling mystery, engaging readers who might otherwise be more reluctant to pick up a book.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, mysteries, and a good laugh.

• The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Dwight talks to his classmates via an origami finger puppet of Yoda, offering advice that is surprisingly wise. The book is structured as a collection of stories from different viewpoints, trying to decipher if Origami Yoda is real.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and interactive read that also tackles themes of friendship and acceptance in a light-hearted way.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Star Wars and anyone who enjoys quirky, interactive stories.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: When Nick Allen decides to call his pen a "frindle," it sets off a chain reaction that changes his life and his town. The word "frindle" becomes a nationwide phenomenon, much to the dismay of his language arts teacher.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and critical thinking, showing how one small idea can have a big impact.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young innovators.

• 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 thirteenth floor, which doesn’t exist. The characters experience bizarre and hilarious adventures in this unusual school setting.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its absurd and surreal humor is perfect for tickling the funny bone of any child, promoting an enjoyment of reading through laughter.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate the absurd and the unconventional.

Educational Funny Chapter Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: When prankster Miles Murphy moves to sleepy Yawnee Valley, he finds a rival in Niles Sparks, another young prankster. Together, they form a prank-pulling duo known as the Terrible Two.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, creativity, understanding of social dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with clever pranks and a humorous look at friendship and rivalry, making it an engaging and fun read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good prank and stories about friendship and rivalry.

• The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • 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 adventures are as wild as their home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages out-of-the-box thinking and creativity through its wildly imaginative setting and scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and lovers of high-energy adventure stories.

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young
  • Genre(s): Humor, Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A father goes to buy milk and returns with wild tales of aliens, pirates, and dinosaurs. This book is a thrilling adventure with a lot of heart and humor.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, storytelling, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a whirlwind of imagination with a humorous twist, perfect for keeping readers entertained and engaged.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy fantastical stories with a good dose of humor.

• Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Alvin Ho is a second grader who's afraid of everything, especially school. Despite his fears, Alvin's attempts to conquer them are both hilarious and heartwarming.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional understanding, coping strategies, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a funny and touching story that helps children understand and manage their fears.
  • Perfect for: Children who face anxieties or fears, and anyone who enjoys a story that combines humor with heartfelt moments.

• The Genius Files by Dan Gutman
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Twins Coke and Pepsi McDonald embark on a cross-country vacation that turns into a race for their lives. The siblings are part of a secret government organization for genius kids, which leads them into all sorts of zany situations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geography, critical thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes humor with suspense and educational elements, making it a thrilling yet informative read.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and mystery lovers who enjoy a good laugh while learning.

Challenging Funny Chapter Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Satire
  • Synopsis: This book parodies classic children's stories featuring orphaned children and neglectful parents. The Willoughby siblings plot to become orphans, but their plans lead to unexpected consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The satirical tone and sophisticated humor require a higher level of comprehension and an understanding of the nuances in classic literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a clever, satirical take on traditional children's tales, encouraging critical thinking and appreciation for irony.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever twists on classic themes and those with a sharp sense of humor.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, seeks to restore his family's fortune through various schemes involving the fairy world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex plots, high-tech jargon, and a sophisticated protagonist whose moral ambiguity adds layers to the narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling blend of magic, technology, and crime, with a sharp-witted young protagonist that keeps readers engaged and entertained.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy kids and fans of fantasy who enjoy rooting for an anti-hero.

• 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 to infiltrate a mysterious organization called L.I.V.E.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate puzzles and riddles throughout the book require critical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with brain-teasing puzzles, making it an intellectually stimulating read that promotes teamwork and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle enthusiasts who love a good challenge.

• Nerds: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society by Michael Buckley
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: A group of nerdy fifth graders run a spy network from inside their school. With the help of their high-tech gadgets, they battle against a variety of villains.
  • Why this book is challenging: The scientific concepts and technological terms used throughout the book are advanced, appealing to more knowledgeable young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and exciting way to introduce complex scientific and technological concepts through a humorous, action-packed narrative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are into science, technology, and espionage with a good dose of humor.

• The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: Miss Penelope Lumley is hired as a governess to three wild children who were found in the forest and are rumored to be capable of howling at the moon.
  • Why this book is challenging: The Victorian setting and language, along with the literary references, make this book a more demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes humor with a mysterious storyline, wrapped in a historical setting that provides both entertainment and educational value.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and mysteries with a whimsical twist.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of funny chapter books for 10-year-olds, you're in for a treat! But how do you make the most out of your reading time? Here are some fun exercises to help you build great reading habits while enjoying some laughs. These exercises are perfect for keeping young readers engaged and improving their comprehension skills.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading habit and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Take turns reading chapters aloud with a friend or family member.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and makes reading a fun, shared activity.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make it more entertaining.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Choose your favorite character or one that puzzles you to get inside their head.

• Book Review Blog
  • What it is: Start a simple blog or a notebook where you write reviews of the books you read.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and helps retain what you've read.
  • Tips: Include what you liked, didn't like, and what made you laugh.

• Discussion Group
  • What it is: Form a book club or a discussion group with friends who read the same book.
  • How it helps: Provides different perspectives and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Come up with a list of questions about the book to discuss in your group.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw your favorite scene from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts creativity and helps visualize the text.
  • Tips: Don't worry about perfect artwork; express your interpretation freely.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before finishing the book, try to predict how it will end.
  • How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and attention to story details.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and compare them with the actual ending.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading an active, engaging, and fun part of your day. So grab your favorite funny chapter book, pick one or two of these exercises, and start building those stellar reading habits today. Happy reading!