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By J.E. Thomas and Control Freaks
The kids at Benjamin Banneker College Prep are a little… competitive. Okay. They’re a LOT competitive.
The minute Principal Yee announces an epic competition for the golden B-B trophy, seventh-grader Frederick Douglass Zezzmer knows he has to win.
But it won’t be easy. The competition doesn’t just include science, technology, engineering and math. It also has arts and sports. Not Doug’s best subjects.
Even worse, it’s a TEAM competition. Instead of being in a superstar group, Doug gets paired with four middle school misfits no one else wants.
Worst of all, Doug’s dad has a horrible backup plan. If Doug doesn’t win, he has to forget about becoming The World’s Greatest Inventor and spend the summer in sports camp, with his scary stepbrother.
With only a week to go, Doug launches a quest to turn his team of outcasts into winners… and maybe even friends.
There’s a reason why funny chapter books are so popular: Kids love them! We already have a longer list of funny middle grade books, but on this list, we’ve added newer funny middle grade books and included several funny books for younger readers ages 6-8. Whether you enjoy slapstick humor, clever humor, or just a bunch of awkward hilarious scenes and coincidences, there’s a story for you on this list.
📚 Disclaimer in the books: Just so you know, Reading Middle Grade uses affiliate links. This means that when you shop via the links in our posts, we may earn a cent or two at no extra cost to you. Thanks for adding to our book buying fund.
20+ Funny Chapter Books for Kids
Here are 20+ funny chapter books for kids:
The Bad Guys
Published: December 27, 2016
Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark look scary, and they have a reputation for being bad guys, but Mr. Wolf has a plan to rebrand their reputation by doing some good deeds such as rescuing a cat stuck in a tree and breaking two hundred dogs out of a Dog Pound. He just needs to make sure Mr. Snake doesn’t swallow Mr. Piranha. This hilarious chapter book breaks the fourth wall often and will crack up young readers ages 5-8.
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
Published: February 4, 2020
This is a longer book at 224 pages, but mostly because it has plenty of interspersed illustrations. It’s also set in the UK. Omar and his family have moved for his scientist’s mother’s new dream job, but his next door neighbor seems to detest them, and he has a school bully making his life miserable.
I liked this charming chapter book about Muslim life during Ramadan, adjusting to a new school, befriending a bully, and navigating family/sibling relationships. It’s told in prose with some illustrations, illustrated text, and speech bubbles (almost doodly like Wimpy Kid). Great for kids ages 6-9.
Teddy Mars Book #1: Almost a World Record Breaker
Published: March 24, 2015
Teddy Mars is determined to stand out in a world full of wonders and a house bursting with siblings. With the help of his best friends, Teddy tries to build the biggest snow mound, stuff the most grapes in his mouth, and lift a chair with his teeth. He’ll do anything to succeed—even if it means sleeping in a tent and cleaning up pigeon poop for Grumpy Pigeon Man. Too bad his pesky little brother, also known as The Destructor, always wrecks Teddy’s record-breaking plans! This is the first in a funny chapter book series, also great for younger readers ages 6-9.
Hank Zipzer #1: Niagara Falls, Or Does It?
Published: May 12, 2003
For Hank, fourth grade does not start out on the right foot. First of all, he gets called to the principal’s office on the very first day of school. Then the first assignment his teacher gives him is to write five paragraphs on “What You Did This Summer.” Hank is terrified-writing one good sentence is hard for him, so how in the world is he going to write five whole paragraphs?
Hank comes up with a plan: instead of writing what he did on vacation, he’ll show what he did. But when Hank’s “living essay” becomes a living disaster, he finds himself in detention. Strangely enough, however, detention ends up becoming a turning point in his life. This book has a great representation of a kid with dyslexia and is perfect for readers ages 7-10.
The Great Shelby Holmes
Published: September 6, 2016
Shelby Holmes is not your average sixth grader. She’s nine years old, barely four feet tall, and the best detective her Harlem neighborhood has ever seen–always using logic and a bit of pluck (which yes, some might call “bossiness”) to solve the toughest crimes.
When eleven-year-old John Watson moves downstairs, Shelby finds something that’s eluded her up till now: a friend. The easy-going John isn’t sure of what to make of Shelby, but he soon finds himself her most-trusted (read: only) partner in a dog-napping case that’ll take both their talents to crack. If your kids love a good mystery, they’ll love Shelby and her crew! Great for ages 8-12.
Link + Hud: Heroes by a Hair
Published: March 7, 2023
Brothers Lincoln and Hudson Dupré are constantly pretending to be on one adventure or another–and destroying their home in the process. Until their parents get an experienced babysitter who wrangles both boys using unconventional methods–much to their dismay. Their plot to get rid of her yields unexpected results.
Thishilarious graphic novel-prose hybridshows the brothers’ imaginations in panels and the real story as plain text with illustrations. Hand this one to kids ages 8-12!
The Terrible Two
Published: January 13, 2015
Proud prankster Miles Murphy is not happy to be moving to Yawnee Valley, a sleepy town that’s famous for one thing and one thing only: cows. Especially when he discovers that Yawnee Valley already has a great prankster. If Miles is going to take the title from this mystery kid, he’ll have to raise his game.
It’s prankster against prankster in an epic war of trickery until the two finally decide to join forces to pull off the biggest prank ever seen, a prank so huge it would make the members of the International Order of Disorder (a loose confederacy of pranksters that flourished a couple of centuries ago) proud. Good for ages 7+
Spy School
Published: March 6, 2012
Ben Ripley may only be in middle school, but he’s already pegged his dream job: CIA or bust. Unfortunately for him, his personality doesn’t exactly scream “secret agent”. In fact Ben is so awkward, he can barely get to school and back without a mishap. Because of his innate nerdiness, Ben is not surprised when he is recruited for a magnet school with a focus on science – but he’s entirely shocked to discover that the school is actually a front for a junior CIA academy. Could the CIA really want him?
Actually, no. There’s been a case of mistaken identity – but that doesn’t stop Ben from trying to morph into a supercool undercover agent, the kind that always gets the girl. And through a series of hilarious misadventures, Ben realizes he might actually be a halfway decent spy…if he can survive all the attempts being made on his life! Great for ages 7+
Simon Sort of Says
Published: January 31, 2023
After surviving a school shooting, Simon and his parents (one a priest, the other a mortician) move to a town in America’s National Quiet Zone with no internet or TV. As Simon tries to stay under the radar, new friends, a new mission, and a warm community draw him out in thisfunny, quirky, and movingrelease about science and PTSD.
While the main subject matter is nowhere near funny, the author does a great job of including a funny cast, with laugh-out-loud funny situations that maintain the levity. Hand to kids ages 9+
The Great Wall of Lucy Wu
read my review
Published: January 1, 2011
Lucy is a short Chinese-American girl caught between two cultures. She plays basketball (very well) and would choose mac and cheese over most Chinese dishes.
Her older siblings seem to fit the “perfect Chinese child” stereotype more than she does. Still, Lucy perseveres with her interests, eagerly anticipating her sister’s move to college so she can have their room all to herself, but that is not to be.
Lucy’s dreams are intercepted when her parents insist she attends Chinese school instead of basketball practice. On top of that, her father returns from China with her late grandmother’s long-lost sister, Yi Po, who will now share Lucy’s room.
Add to that the bullying she has to deal with from Sloane, a girl who competes with Lucy for a coveted basketball captain spot, and Lucy may just be having the worst year ever. Still, her funny observations keep this book enjoyable and chuckle-inducing. Hand to kids ages 8+
The Greatest Kid in the World
Published: May 9, 2023
Zeke tries to be a good kid, but most days, he can’t resist pulling a great prank or instigating his classmates into mayhem. So, imagine his shock when he gets an invitation to joinThe Greatest Kid in the Worldcontest. As a camera follows him and his family for days, Zeke gains a new perspective on life and what it means to be a “great” kid.I found this book surprisingly profound and ridiculously funny. I laughed aloud many times while listening to the audiobook. For kids ages 8+
Control Freaks
Published: June 13, 2023
Benjamin Banneker STEM Academy is the top middle school in Denver. Let’s just say the kids are . . . competitive. When Principal Yee announces the start of an epic Team Competition for the school, Frederick Douglass Zezzmer knows that trophy’s got his name on it. That’ll show his sports-obsessed Dad that he’s worthy, right?
The only problem is, it’s a TEAM competition … and Doug isn’t so great working in a team environment (except with his best friend Huey, of course). What unfolds is a hilarious, STEAM-filled story with a dash of family drama and budding friendships. Perfect for kids ages 9+
The Jake Show
Published: May 23, 2023
For TV-obsessed Jake Lightman, his parents’ divorce is like his favorite show getting canceled: The worst. Now he’s stuck between playing the role of “Yaakov” for his mother and “Jacob” for his father.
On Jake’s first day at a new school, Caleb and Tehilla barrel into his life. Suddenly, he has two friends who seem to like therealJake. And when they invite him to Camp Gershoni for the summer, Jake knows he has to go—even if his parents won’t let him.
With help from Caleb and Tehilla, Jake concocts a web of lies to get to camp. But he struggles to keep up the ruse—and be a good friend at the same time. As the cost of lying grows, he must decide what’s truly important, or risk losing the people he cares about the most. Hand to kids ages 10+
An Occasionally Happy Family
read my review
Published: May 18, 2021
InAn Occasionally Happy Family, Theo’s dad is bundling him and his sister, Laura into the car for a road trip to Big Bend National Park. Although nature doesn’t fit into any of the kids’ interests (Theo like comics), they follow along for a chance to have a nicer family vacation than visiting their grandma. It’s also a good chance to bond more since their mom died a few years ago.
The kids notice, though, that their dad is suspiciously over-excited (and in turns) nervous about the trip and everything makes sense when mid-way through, he introduces them to his new girlfriend, Lucrecia. Good for kids ages 9+
Grow Up Tahlia Wilkins
read my review
Published: April 19, 2022
Tahlia is excited to redeem herself at theend of school summer partyhosted by the popular kid, Noah. The year before, she’d dressed in what she now realizes was a childish outfit (wearing a rashguard and shorts) while everyone else wore fancy swimsuits. This year, she’s ready to correct her mistakes and make a statement with her best friend Lily. That is until she gets her first period. It’s more stressful because her mother is out of town leaving her with her dad and two older brothers whom she can’t stand to tell about her period.
With only Lily on her side, Tahlia has to figure out how to buy pads and tampons, use a tampon, avoid toxic shock syndrome, and make it to the pool party. Unbeknownst to her, life has a couple of other changes in store for Tahlia. Great for readers ages 8+
Elfie Unperfect
read my review
Published: August 10, 2021
Elfie Oster is ready to leave Cottonwood Elementary. She doesn’t have any friends at school, and she’s tired of having to do group projects all by herself. It doesn’t help that her super popular cousin, Jenna, whom everyone likes, is also in Cottonwood — and also not Elfie’s friend.
Thankfully, she’s been admitted to Hampshire Academy, a swanky private school where she knows everything will be different. Unfortunately, after a misunderstanding, Elfie is swiftly expelled from Hampshire and has to return to Cottonwood.
As Elfie reckons with the disappointing turn of events, she learns a lot about life, the beauty of imperfection, and what really matters. This story is cleverly funny and filled with valuable insights for kids who struggle with perfectionism. Great for readers ages 8+
The Million Dollar Race
read my review
Published: January 19, 2021
Grant Falloon is a super fast track runner, so it’s a no brainer when he gets the chance to sign up for the million dollar race organized by Babblemoney. The mega-rich sneaker company wants to give back a million dollars to the winning kids from their international contest. Unfortunately, Grant runs into a couple of snags.
First, his best friend (and brother from another mother) Jay is also super fast and competing in the race. He doesn’t want their rivalry to strain their relationship. Then, even worse, he’s disqualified from the race because he doesn’t have a real birth certificate, thanks to his unconventional parents who had him while they were living in a commune off the grid.
Still, with the help of his eccentric younger brother who happens to be a vlogger, Grant decides to come up with a crazy plan that will enable him participate: start his own country. On top of the chaos from their plan, the kids also realize that there is more to the million dollar race than meets the eye. Good for readers ages 9+
Slider
read my review
Published: September 12, 2017
14-year-old David is a quintessential middle child. His sister Bridgette is in college and the family’s academic success story. Mal, his younger brother is on the autism spectrum, although his family prefers not to use the autism label. Mal is almost non-verbal and only says the word “okay.”
David has always has a large appetite and an interest in competitive eating, but after he accidentally leaves a $2000 bill on his mother’s credit card, he’s forced to join a pizza eating contest to win the grand prize of $5000.
In between finding his place in the family and trying not to ruin his internal organs by overeating, David also has to navigate the fact that his two oldest friends Cyn and HeyMan might be dating each other. Where does that leave him? As the third musketeer still, or an unwanted third wheel? Solid upper middle grade book for kids ages 11+
El Deafo
Published: October 13, 2020
This graphic memoir follows young Cece, who becomes deaf at age four and starts using hearing aids. As she goes through childhood, at first, being deaf feels like a burden, something to be ashamed of. She can’t seem to find friends who like her for who she is and don’t fixate on her deafness. But later, she starts to realize that being deaf and having her hearing aid is a superpower worth appreciating. I loved the audiobook of this one! For ages 9+
The McNifficients
Published: June 20, 2023
Lord Tennyson, the McNifficent’s schnauzer, considers himself the Mary Poppins of the family and works hard to keep all six kids in line for their parents. But they seem to be getting more and more rambunctious. When the parents seem to be considering hiring a real nanny, Lord Tennyson decides to try one last time to get the house in order. This charming young middle grade book has a classic feel and will appeal to younger readers with its illustrations and lovable but chaotic family. For ages 7+
It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel
Published: May 3, 2016
I loved this author’s memoir, Funny in Farsi and this middle grade book inspired by her life is just as funny. California’s Newport Beach is her family’s latest perch, and she’s determined to shuck her brainy loner persona and start afresh with a new Brady Bunch name—Cindy.
It’s the late 1970s, and fitting in becomes more difficult as Iran makes U.S. headlines with protests, revolution, and finally the taking of American hostages. Even puka shell necklaces, pool parties, and flying fish can’t distract Cindy from the anti-Iran sentiments that creep way too close to home. For ages 8+
There they are: 20+ of the best funny chapter books for kids ages 6-12! Which of these books have you read and loved? Which ones did I miss?
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