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

Looking for a way to keep your 12-year-old giggling through their reading time? You're in the right spot! Our roundup of funny chapter books for 12-year-olds is packed with stories that promise laughter and light-hearted fun. Whether your young reader is into quirky characters or hilarious misadventures, we've got something that will tickle their funny bone. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to keep them entertained!

Fun Funny Chapter 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 middle-schooler Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges of school, family life, and friendships, all documented in his diary with drawings and handwritten notes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilariously relatable and presents everyday situations in a light-hearted way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and graphic novel formats, and anyone dealing with the ups and downs of middle school life.

• The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Miles Murphy who moves to a new town and meets Niles Sparks. Both kids are expert pranksters, and they initially clash but eventually team up to pull off the biggest prank ever.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun and mischief with a story about friendship and rivalry, making it a great pick for engaging reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Prank lovers and anyone who enjoys a good laugh along with a dose of clever plotting.

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in a bizarre school built 30 stories high, with one classroom per floor, this book offers a collection of quirky and humorous tales about the students and teachers at Wayside School.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its absurd and surreal humor is perfect for sparking imagination and keeping readers entertained from start to finish.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories that are out of the ordinary and fans of quirky humor.

• My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian, illustrated by Jake Tashjian
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Derek Fallon finds a way to make summer more exciting by using his imagination and a discovered mystery to turn what he expects to be a boring summer into an exciting adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends text with doodles and visual elements, making reading more engaging for visual learners and reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who might rather do anything other than read and those who enjoy stories with a mix of text and illustrations.

• 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." This simple act sparks a series of events that captures the nation's attention.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun read that also explores themes of creativity and the power of words, encouraging readers to think about language in new ways.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young innovators, as well as any kid who's ever thought about challenging the status quo.

Educational Funny Chapter Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Satire
  • Synopsis: This book humorously parodies traditional children's stories featuring orphaned children and neglectful parents. The Willoughby siblings concoct a plan to become orphans themselves, leading to unexpected adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of satire and parody, critical thinking about literary tropes, vocabulary expansion
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever and funny twist on classic children's narratives, offering both laughter and a smart critique of the genre.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good satire and those who like their humor mixed with a bit of literary cleverness.

• The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After the alien Boov conquer the Earth, 11-year-old Gratuity Tucci embarks on a cross-country road trip to find her mother. She's accompanied by a renegade alien, and together they discover the true meaning of "Smekday."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, empathy, creative problem-solving, and narrative skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a heartfelt story, making it both entertaining and enlightening.
  • Perfect for: Fans of science fiction and adventure, and any young reader who appreciates humor that comes with a deeper message.

• Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Alcatraz Smedry discovers on his 13th birthday that he's part of a family with magical talents and that he must fight against the evil Librarians who control the world by spreading misinformation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking about information sources, understanding of fantasy genres, imaginative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of action and humor, with a unique take on magic and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure stories with a humorous 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 reasoning, and comprehension skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think critically and solve puzzles alongside the characters.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and anyone who enjoys mysteries and stories about secret missions and clever kids.

• 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, explaining why he took so long to come back.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, storytelling, humor appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wildly imaginative and hilariously narrated adventure that will keep readers laughing and guessing what's going to happen next.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a big imagination and a love for stories that mix the mundane with the fantastical.

Challenging Funny Chapter Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Sci-Fi
  • 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.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex plots with high-tech and magical elements, requiring readers to keep track of multiple characters and their intricate relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines magic, technology, and crime in a thrilling ride that challenges the mind and entertains with its sharp wit and clever dialogue.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure with a modern twist and complex storytelling.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Bored and listless Milo unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth one afternoon and drives through it in his toy car. The world beyond is full of weird and wonderful adventures that teach him the value of learning and curiosity.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich in puns, wordplay, and philosophical ideas, which require a sophisticated level of understanding and a love for language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging, imaginative journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the power of a curious mind.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever wordplay and deep, thought-provoking narratives.

• The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover the Symphony of Smells, a box that leads them to a mysterious and sometimes dangerous alternate world involving a magician who has discovered the secret to immortality.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses an unconventional narrative style and integrates codes, ciphers, and various puzzles that require analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is full of mystery and adventure, encouraging readers to solve puzzles and think critically, all while enjoying a thrilling story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love cracking codes and solving mysteries, and those who like their adventures with a side of humor.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: An eccentric millionaire Sam Westing dies and leaves his fortune to sixteen unlikely heirs, but the catch is they must solve the mystery of his death. Through a series of complex clues and unexpected twists, each heir tries to outsmart the others.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is intricate with a large cast of characters, each with their own secrets and agendas, requiring careful attention to detail and critical thinking to solve the mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cleverly plotted mystery with humorous elements and a surprising depth, providing both entertainment and a mental challenge.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any reader who enjoys a good puzzle and a laugh.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer and fan of all things to do with games. He wins a spot to be one of the first twelve kids to view the new town library—the fantastical, high-tech creation of game maker Luigi Lemoncello. But when morning comes, the doors remain locked. Kyle and the other kids must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is filled with intricate puzzles and literary references that demand a broad understanding and encourage exploration beyond the text.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of a game with the thrill of a mystery novel, making for an engaging, interactive reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and lovers of games and interactive adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some hilariously heartwarming chapter books, why not make the experience even more enriching? Here are some fun exercises designed for 12-year-olds to boost their reading habits while keeping the giggles going!

• Create a Laugh Tracker
  • What it is: Make a simple log to record every moment that makes you laugh while reading.
  • How it helps: Highlights the fun parts of reading and makes the activity enjoyable.
  • Tips: Use colorful pens or stickers to mark each funny moment, making it visually exciting.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out your favorite scenes from the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the characters and the story.
  • Tips: Don’t worry about getting it perfect; focus on having fun and being creative!

• Draw Your Favorite Scene
  • What it is: Sketch or paint a scene from the book that you found particularly funny or memorable.
  • How it helps: Encourages visual thinking and helps retain details about the story.
  • Tips: Display your artwork somewhere you can see it to remind you of the fun you had reading.

• Book Club Laughter Session
  • What it is: Organize a book club where each member shares the funniest excerpt from their reading.
  • How it helps: Builds social connections and enhances interpretive skills through discussion.
  • Tips: Keep the atmosphere light and encourage everyone to share why they found their chosen excerpt amusing.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before you finish the book, try to predict how the story will end or what funny twists might occur next.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and compare them with the actual outcomes once you finish the book.

So, grab your favorite funny chapter book and try out these exercises. Not only will they make your reading sessions more interactive, but they'll also deepen your appreciation for the stories. Happy reading and laughing!