10+ Best David Walliams Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that will keep your 11-year-old hooked? Look no further than David Walliams' books! Known for their engaging stories and memorable characters, David Walliams books for 11-year-olds are sure to captivate young readers. Whether you're looking for a gift or just want to encourage a love of reading in your child, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to discover our top picks from David Walliams' collection that are perfect for this age group!

Fun David Walliams Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Gangsta Granny by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: A boy named Ben discovers that his boring granny is actually an international jewel thief. Together, they embark on a heist to steal the Crown Jewels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and heartwarming tale that shows the importance of family bonds and challenges the stereotypes about elderly people.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love humor mixed with a bit of adventure and those looking to see their grandparents in a new light.

• The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Drama, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: This story follows Dennis, a boy who enjoys wearing dresses and explores themes of identity and acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages acceptance and understanding of oneself and others, no matter how different they might appear.
  • Perfect for: Children who are exploring their identity and anyone interested in stories that challenge social norms.

• Billionaire Boy by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Family
  • Synopsis: Joe has everything he could ever want from his billionaire father, except a friend. The book explores his adventures and the real value of friendship over money.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny yet touching story that teaches the importance of friendship and that money isn't everything.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy tales of adventure and learning about the true values in life.

• Ratburger by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Thriller
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Zoe, who battles to save her pet rat from her evil stepmother and a burger man who wants to make the rat into a burger.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a thrilling plot and shows the resilience of a young girl in face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good thriller with a humorous twist.

• Awful Auntie by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stella sets out to reclaim her home from her awful Aunt Alberta and her giant owl, who have taken it over after the death of her parents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling adventure with plenty of humor and heart, showcasing the power of resilience and courage.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy mysteries and rooting for heroes in the face of dastardly villains.

Educational David Walliams Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Midnight Gang by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Comedy
  • Synopsis: This story centers around a group of children in a hospital who embark on magical adventures at midnight, helping to make each other's dreams come true.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, teamwork, creativity, and understanding of different life circumstances.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with touching moments, showing the importance of kindness and the power of imagination.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories about friendship and adventures, and those interested in understanding more about empathy and cooperation.

• Grandpa’s Great Escape by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family, Historical
  • Synopsis: The tale follows a boy and his grandpa, who used to be a World War II flying ace, as they plan a daring escape from an old folks' home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of aging and dementia, courage, and family bonding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an adventurous and heartwarming story that also provides a gentle introduction to historical events and the challenges of aging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy action-packed stories with a historical twist and those looking to understand more about family and resilience.

• The Ice Monster by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in Victorian London, this story follows a young orphan girl who teams up with a street urchin to return a woolly mammoth to its home in the Arctic.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, geography, bravery, and environmental awareness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an exciting blend of history and fantasy, encouraging readers to think about the past and the natural world in imaginative ways.
  • Perfect for: Children fascinated by history and mythical adventures, as well as those interested in animals and environmental conservation.

• Bad Dad by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Drama, Family
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around a father and son who embark on a thrilling crime-busting adventure, aiming to right the wrongs of the father's past.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral reasoning, understanding consequences, family loyalty, and justice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and exciting tale that also teaches important lessons about honesty, redemption, and familial love.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy fast-paced stories with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, and those learning about integrity and making right choices.

Challenging David Walliams Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Demon Dentist by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Horror, Comedy, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This story follows a young boy, Alfie, who discovers that the new dentist in town is not what she seems, leading to a series of spooky and mysterious events.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes of fear, trust, and betrayal intertwined with dark humor, requiring advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting mix of scares and laughs, providing a unique way to engage with more complex narrative techniques and emotional depth.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy a good scare mixed with humor and those interested in stories with a twist.

• Slime by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy
  • Synopsis: The tale is set on the Isle of Mulch where a young boy named Ned discovers the secret of the slime that covers the island and uses it to play pranks and seek revenge on awful adults.
  • Why this book is challenging: The imaginative setting and inventive plot demand creative thinking and a good grasp of nuanced storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fun, inventive narrative that encourages creativity and problem-solving, all wrapped in humor and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young strategists, as well as kids who love stories where children outsmart adults.

• Code Name Bananas by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Historical, Adventure, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, this book follows a boy named Eric and his gorilla friend from a zoo as they embark on a daring adventure to thwart a Nazi plot.
  • Why this book is challenging: The historical context mixed with high-stakes adventure requires understanding of historical events and the ability to process complex scenarios.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines historical learning with thrilling escapades, encouraging a deeper understanding of history while keeping readers entertained.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and adventure seekers, especially those interested in war stories with a humorous twist.

• The World’s Worst Children 3 by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This collection of hilariously horrible children features a variety of stories about the most dreadful, mischievous kids imaginable.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of rich vocabulary and varied narrative structures in multiple short stories helps refine language skills and understanding of different literary forms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun way to explore different character arcs and moral lessons through a humorous lens, perfect for engaging reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy vivid characters and those looking to improve their literary analysis skills through engaging, short narratives.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the wonderfully wacky world of David Walliams books, you're in for a treat. To make the most out of your reading experience, especially if you're around 11 years old, here are some fun and effective exercises to develop great reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make your reading journey more enjoyable.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals, like one chapter a night.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Establishes a routine and improves concentration.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provokes in you.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the story.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the plot and sequence of events.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important events or turning points.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next after a chapter or an exciting plot twist.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and imagination.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check them as you read on.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of different characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Choose your favorite character or one you find intriguing.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about turning reading into a dynamic and engaging adventure. As you explore the tales spun by David Walliams, these activities will help you soak in every detail and perhaps inspire you to create your own stories one day. Happy reading!