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

Looking for a way to keep your 11-year-old giggling through their reading time? You're in the right spot! Our roundup of funny books for 11-year-olds is packed with stories that promise to bring the laughs. From quirky characters to hilarious misadventures, each book is a gem that's perfect for keeping young readers entertained. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to lighten up their bookshelf!

Fun Funny Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school, dealing with bullies, family dynamics, and the struggles of being unpopular.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly relatable and funny, making it a great choice for kids who might be facing their own school challenges.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and those dealing with the ups and downs of school life.

• The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book follows Miles Murphy, who moves to a new town and meets Niles Sparks, a fellow prankster. Together, they form a prank-pulling duo to achieve the title of the best pranksters in their school.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and friendship through hilarious pranks and schemes.
  • Perfect for: Children who love mischief and creative problem-solving.

• My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian, illustrated by Jake Tashjian
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Derek Fallon finds a way to make summer vacation exciting by discovering the joys of reading and experiencing adventures through books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages reading and shows how books can open doors to exciting adventures, even from your backyard.
  • Perfect for: Reluctant readers and kids who need a nudge to discover the magic of reading.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: This enchanting story revolves around a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally infused with moon magic and must learn to control her powers while uncovering the secrets of her past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that mixes humor with emotional depth, engaging young readers in a fantastical journey.
  • Perfect for: Young fantasy lovers and anyone who enjoys tales of magic and adventure.

• 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 offers a collection of absurd and funny stories about the students and teachers at Wayside School.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique characters and ridiculous scenarios are sure to keep readers laughing and turning the pages.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate the absurd and those who enjoy stories about school life with a twist.

Educational Funny Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a bored young boy named Milo who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom. Here, he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and whimsical characters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking, appreciation for language and wordplay
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a clever play on words and ideas that challenge the mind while entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and creative adventures.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen knows how to make school more fun. He decides to invent a new word: "frindle" for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of unforeseen events in his school and community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, language arts, and understanding of how new ideas can spread
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and inspiring story about innovation, the power of words, and the impact one person can have on the world.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young innovators.

• The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Mildred Hubble attends Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches, where she earns a reputation as the worst witch in the school due to her clumsiness and constant mishaps.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading fluency, imaginative thinking, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s filled with magical mishaps that are both humorous and heartwarming, teaching lessons about perseverance and self-acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young witches and wizards, and anyone who enjoys a good giggle along with their magical tales.

• How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is a Viking and a very unusual one at that. In his quest to become a Heroic Dragon Trainer, he captures his first dragon, and the adventures begin.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Courage, friendship, and leadership skills; also enhances imaginative thinking and creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting blend of humor and action, perfect for sparking a love of reading and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone who loves stories about overcoming the odds with cleverness and humor.

• Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater, illustrated by Robert Lawson
  • Genre(s): Humor, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mr. Popper, a house painter fascinated by the Antarctic, dreams of exploring distant lands until the day a real live penguin arrives on his doorstep.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of animal care and responsibility, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a timeless, whimsical story that combines humor with charming adventures, appealing to animal lovers and dreamers alike.
  • Perfect for: Children who dream big and love animals, particularly quirky stories with a lot of heart.

Challenging Funny Books for 11-Year-Olds

• 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.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that require advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with humor and suspense, encouraging readers to think creatively and question the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains in adventurous ways.

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Satire, Family
  • Synopsis: This satirical take on classic children's literature follows the Willoughby siblings who, feeling neglected by their selfish parents, decide to become "deserving orphans" and embark on their own twisted family adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with and parodies traditional children’s literature themes and structures, requiring a higher level of literary understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilariously dry and offers clever commentary on the nature of family and the classic tales of orphans in literature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate irony and a good laugh, and those who enjoy a smart twist on classic storytelling.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, captures a fairy and holds her for ransom to exploit the magical Fairy People and restore his family’s fortune.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel includes complex plots involving high-tech gadgets and fairy magic, requiring readers to keep track of detailed and intricate storylines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling mix of magic, technology, and crime that keeps readers on their toes with its witty dialogue and clever twists.
  • Perfect for: Young tech whizzes and fantasy lovers who enjoy stories where brains outmatch brawn.

• The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
  • Genre(s): Humor, Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Miss Penelope Lumley is hired as the governess to three wild children who were found in the woods and are rumored to have been raised by wolves. She must teach them how to fit into high society, which leads to many humorous and mysterious adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is sophisticated, featuring Victorian settings and language that require a higher reading comprehension level.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a quirky story with a delightful mix of humor and mystery, engaging young readers in a historical setting.
  • Perfect for: Those who love historical settings with a twist of mystery and humor.

• Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: When seventh-grader Georges moves into a new apartment building, he meets Safer, a twelve-year-old self-appointed spy. Georges becomes involved in a spy mission that makes him question everything around him.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of trust, lies, and friendship through complex character interactions and psychological depth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping, thoughtful story that combines elements of mystery with the everyday challenges of middle school life.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy realistic stories with a layer of mystery and those dealing with changes in their own lives.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of funny books for 11-year-olds, you're in for a treat! Not only are these books a blast to read, but they also offer a great opportunity to develop healthy reading habits. Here are some exercises that can make reading even more beneficial and fun for young readers:

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps build a reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Read and Reenact
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and immersion.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Gather a group of friends to read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and perspective sharing.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep it exciting and inclusive.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw your favorite scene or a new cover for the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances creativity and helps visualize textual content.
  • Tips: Share your artwork with friends or family to discuss your interpretation.

• Challenge a Friend
  • What it is: Challenge a friend to see who can finish a book or a chapter first.
  • How it helps: Adds a fun competitive element to reading.
  • Tips: Choose a reward for the winner to keep the challenge exciting.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Aids in comprehension and memory of the plot.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and sweet to review them easily.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can make your journey through hilarious books even more engaging and rewarding. So, grab your next funny book, pick a couple of these exercises, and start building those stellar reading habits today. Happy reading!