10+ Best Funny Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for a way to keep your 8-year-old giggling through their reading time? You're in the right spot! Our roundup of funny chapter books for 8-year-olds is packed with stories that promise laughter and joy. Whether it's quirky characters or hilarious misadventures, each book is a gem that's sure to keep your young reader entertained. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks in funny chapter books for 8-year-olds, and get ready to add some fun to your child’s bookshelf!

Fun Funny Chapter Books for 8-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, where he tries to fit in and rise above the trials of being a pre-teen.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with humor and relatable scenarios that keep kids laughing and engaged, making reading a fun activity rather than a chore.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good laugh and enjoy seeing the world from a humorous perspective.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) and they set off on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative storytelling and whimsical language, making it a delightful read for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories of friendship and adventure in magical settings.

• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Two prank-loving boys, George and Harold, 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 unique blend of text and comic-style illustrations engages reluctant readers and keeps them turning the pages.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy comics, superheroes, and lots of laughs.

• My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett, illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Elmer Elevator runs away on an adventure to rescue a baby dragon and encounters various fantastical animals along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages problem-solving and bravery through its engaging narrative and charming illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who dream of exploring new worlds and helping mythical creatures.

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a bizarre school built vertically with one classroom on each floor, this book shares humorous and absurd tales about the students and teachers at Wayside School.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its absurdity and quirky characters provide endless entertainment and can help instill a love for reading through laughter.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate the silly and the surreal, and anyone who enjoys creative stories that are out of the ordinary.

Educational Funny Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: When fifth-grader Nick Allen invents a new word for what we all know as a "pen," calling it a "frindle," he sparks a series of unexpected events and a battle with his language arts teacher.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary development, understanding of language and its evolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a witty exploration of words and their meanings, wrapped in a funny and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love playing with words and those fascinated by how small ideas can lead to big changes.

• The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Siblings Evan and Jessie turn a lemonade stand into a full-blown business war, learning about entrepreneurship and the complexities of money in a fun and accessible way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic economics, math skills, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with practical lessons in business and cooperation.
  • Perfect for: Young entrepreneurs and any child who enjoys a good sibling rivalry story.

• Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Peter Hatcher's little brother, Fudge, is a constant source of trouble, leading to a series of funny and frustrating situations for Peter.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family dynamics, emotional regulation, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous take on sibling relationships and the challenges of growing up with an unruly younger brother.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are dealing with siblings or who enjoy stories about family life.

• The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Humphrey, a classroom hamster, shares his observations of the students and staff at Longfellow School, offering insights and laughs from his cage in the corner.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perspective-taking, empathy, school life
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique viewpoint on everyday school life, encouraging readers to consider others' feelings and experiences.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and any child who enjoys a funny, heartwarming school story.

• Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Alvin Ho is a second grader who's afraid of everything, especially school, but his hilarious and creative coping mechanisms make for an entertaining read.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding fears, social skills, self-expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful mix of humor and heart, showing how a young boy navigates his many fears.
  • Perfect for: Children who might be shy or anxious, and any young reader who enjoys a good laugh.

Challenging Funny Chapter Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Miles Murphy moves to a new town and finds himself in a battle of wits with the local school prankster. Together, they form a prank-pulling duo known as The Terrible Two.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features sophisticated humor and clever plot twists that require higher-level thinking and comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious take on friendship and competition, encouraging creativity and strategic thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good prank and enjoy stories about friendship and rivalry.

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: A father goes out to buy milk and returns with wild tales of aliens, pirates, and time travel, explaining his delay.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves complex narrative twists and a blend of various genres that challenge the reader's ability to follow along and understand multiple storylines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its whimsical and absurd adventures, making it a delightful read.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who enjoys fantastical stories mixed with humor.

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The Willoughby children devise a diabolical plan to turn themselves into worthy and winsome orphans, with funny and unexpected consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with literary conventions and uses a sophisticated vocabulary that requires a higher reading level.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a satirical take on classic orphan stories, offering both humor and a clever critique of the genre.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy satire and those with a love for classic literature with a twist.

• 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 from a bowling alley to a see-through swimming pool, and their days are filled with adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story's structure is unconventional, featuring numerous digressions and illustrations that complement the text, enhancing the complexity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and imagination through its outlandish setting and zany adventures.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream big and appreciate wildly imaginative scenarios.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Bored and disillusioned, young Milo receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to a land where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge readers to think critically about language and meaning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a deep exploration of themes like boredom and discovery, encouraging readers to see the world in new ways.
  • Perfect for: Intellectual kids and those who revel in playing with words and ideas.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of funny chapter books for 8-year-olds, you're in for a treat! Not only are these books a blast to read, but they also offer fantastic opportunities to develop strong reading habits. Here are some engaging exercises that can make reading even more fun and beneficial for young readers:

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading time something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Dress up as a favorite character from the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens connection with the story and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Plan a dress-up day once a book is finished as a fun celebration.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause at key moments to predict what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Improves analytical thinking and engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Use clues from the story so far to make informed guesses.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts creativity and helps with visual recall of the story.
  • Tips: Share the drawings with family or friends to discuss different interpretations.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend or family member to read together.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and improves communication skills.
  • Tips: Choose books that both buddies will enjoy and discuss them afterwards.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the plot.
  • Tips: Keep summaries brief and highlight major events or funny moments.

Incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine can not only make reading more interactive and enjoyable but also foster a lifelong love for books. So, grab those funny chapter books and let the adventures and giggles begin!