10+ Best Funny Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Looking for a way to keep your teen entertained and giggling through their reading? You’ve hit the jackpot with our roundup of funny books for 14-year-olds! Whether they’re into whimsical tales or clever quips, this list has something that will tickle their funny bone. Keep reading to discover our top picks for funny books that are perfect for 14-year-olds, guaranteed to keep them hooked and chuckling all the way through.
Table of Contents
Fun Funny Books for 14-Year-Olds
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
- Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
- Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley, who navigates the challenges of middle school with humor and resilience. Illustrated with simple and expressive drawings, it captures the awkward moments of growing up.
- Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly relatable and laugh-out-loud funny, making it a great pick to engage reluctant readers and those looking for a light-hearted escape.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comics and stories about school life.
- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Comedy
- Synopsis: Arthur Dent is whisked off the Earth just before it is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway. With the help of a quirky guidebook, he ventures across the universe, encountering bizarre creatures and absurd situations.
- Why we recommend this book: Its clever humor and wild cosmic escapades make it an entertaining read that also subtly explores complex ideas.
- Perfect for: Teens who love sci-fi and quirky humor.
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Ellen Forney
- Genre(s): Young Adult, Humor, Coming-of-Age
- Synopsis: This semi-autobiographical novel follows Junior, a Native American teenager who leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school.
- Why we recommend this book: It tackles serious themes with a humorous touch, providing both laughter and a deep, emotional impact.
- Perfect for: Young readers looking for a story that mixes fun with meaningful life lessons.
- 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 we recommend this book: The mix of high-tech fantasy, clever humor, and thrilling adventure is perfect to keep young teens engaged and entertained.
- Perfect for: Fans of fantasy who enjoy a good laugh with their action.
- Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
- Synopsis: An angel and a demon, accustomed to life on Earth, team up to prevent the coming of the Apocalypse. Their plan involves influencing the Antichrist, but things go hilariously wrong.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and satirical look at the concept of good versus evil, with plenty of wit and wisdom.
- Perfect for: Readers who like their fantasy mixed with humor and philosophical questions.
Educational Funny Books for 14-Year-Olds
- An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
- Genre(s): Young Adult, Comedy, Romance
- Synopsis: Colin Singleton, a former child prodigy, has dated nineteen girls named Katherine, all of whom have dumped him. On a road trip with his best friend, he attempts to create a mathematical formula to predict the outcome of any relationship and finally win at love.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Mathematical concepts, relationship dynamics, self-discovery
- Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with mathematical theories and heartfelt moments, making complex ideas accessible and entertaining.
- Perfect for: Teens who enjoy math, quirky stories, and introspective characters.
- The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket (Illustrated by Brett Helquist)
- Genre(s): Mystery, Humor, Adventure
- Synopsis: In the second book of "A Series of Unfortunate Events," the Baudelaire orphans are sent to live with Dr. Montgomery Montgomery, a herpetologist with a room full of exotic reptiles. The siblings must uncover his assistant's true identity to prevent a deadly disaster.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, vocabulary
- Why we recommend this book: Its dark humor and mysterious plot twists keep readers engaged while subtly enhancing their analytical skills.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love mysteries and clever, dark humor.
- I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells
- Genre(s): Thriller, Horror, Dark Comedy
- Synopsis: John Wayne Cleaver is a diagnosed sociopath obsessed with serial killers. Despite his dark tendencies, John fights his own impulses but finds himself using his unique skills to track down a real murderer in his town.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of psychological concepts, moral dilemmas, suspenseful writing
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling yet humorous look into the mind of a protagonist who is both chilling and endearingly earnest in his quest for good.
- Perfect for: Teens fascinated by psychology and dark, suspenseful stories.
- Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
- Synopsis: Alcatraz Smedry discovers on his thirteenth birthday that he is part of a family with magical talents and that he must fight against a cult of evil Librarians who control the world's information.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative problem-solving, understanding of literary tropes, imaginative thinking
- Why we recommend this book: It's a wildly inventive and amusing adventure that cleverly parodies fantasy genres and tropes.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fast-paced adventures and meta-humor.
- The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
- Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Comedy
- Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cassandra and Max-Ernest, discover the Symphony of Smells, a box of vials that leads them to investigate a magician's notebook and a plot involving the secret of immortality.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Deductive reasoning, chemistry, secret codes
- Why we recommend this book: It's full of puzzles, secrets, and humor, making the act of reading both fun and intellectually stimulating.
- Perfect for: Curious kids who love solving mysteries and cracking codes.
Challenging Funny Books for 14-Year-Olds
- Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
- Genre(s): Young Adult, Comedy, Drama
- Synopsis: The story follows Greg Gaines, an awkward high school senior who befriends a classmate with leukemia. He and his friend Earl spend their time making films, which takes a poignant turn as they navigate the realities of illness and friendship.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel addresses complex themes of mortality and friendship with a raw and unfiltered voice, challenging readers to consider deep, existential questions.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique mix of humor and heartbreak, encouraging empathy and self-reflection in its readers.
- Perfect for: Teens who appreciate dark humor mixed with emotional depth.
- Going Bovine by Libba Bray
- Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy, Comedy
- Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Cameron Smith is diagnosed with mad cow disease and embarks on a surreal and hallucinatory journey across the United States with a dwarf and a Norse god disguised as a garden gnome.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes with fantastical elements and dense, playful prose that demands careful reading and interpretation.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a wild, imaginative ride that blends absurdity with poignant insights into the meaning of life.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for a story that is both bizarre and deeply philosophical.
- Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
- Genre(s): Young Adult, Satire, Adventure
- Synopsis: A plane crash strands a group of beauty pageant contestants on a deserted island, turning their quest for the crown into a fight for survival, with sharp satirical twists on consumerism, beauty standards, and reality TV.
- Why this book is challenging: Bray's satire requires readers to critically analyze societal norms and media influence, wrapped in a narrative that's both complex and densely packed with cultural references.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers sharp wit and a critical look at pop culture, all while delivering an entertaining survival story.
- Perfect for: Teens who enjoy sharp satire and are critical of mainstream media and societal expectations.
- Dodger by Terry Pratchett
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Comedy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Set in Victorian London, the novel follows Dodger, a street urchin who emerges from the city's underbelly to become a hero after he saves a mysterious girl. The story mixes real historical figures with fictional characters in a richly detailed world.
- Why this book is challenging: Pratchett's use of Victorian-era English, interwoven with historical details and societal commentary, requires advanced reading skills and historical knowledge.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous, engaging adventure that also educates about Victorian society and literature.
- Perfect for: History buffs and fans of witty, intelligent storytelling.
- Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith
- Genre(s): Young Adult, Science Fiction, Comedy
- Synopsis: In a small town in Iowa, Austin and his best friend Robby accidentally unleash an unstoppable army of giant, hungry, praying mantises. The story is a wild blend of history, sexuality, and apocalypse.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel tackles complex themes of sexuality, identity, and history, intermingled with a bizarre sci-fi plot, demanding sophistication in handling diverse and profound themes.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines sharp humor with deep, thought-provoking insights into human nature and history.
- Perfect for: Teens who are ready for a unique narrative that challenges conventions and explores complex personal and social issues.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the world of funny books for 14-year-olds, you're in for a treat! Not only are these books entertaining, but they also offer a great opportunity to develop solid reading habits that can benefit teens for a lifetime. Below are some exercises designed to enhance your reading experience and make the most out of every chuckle-filled page.
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
- How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading habit and builds anticipation for daily reading sessions.
- Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.
- Use a Vocabulary List
- What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words you find while reading.
- How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and improves understanding of the book’s language and humor.
- Tips: Review the list regularly and try to use new words in your daily conversations or writing.
- Discuss With Friends
- What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it or have read it.
- How it helps: Increases comprehension and retention of the story, and makes reading a more social activity.
- Tips: Organize a weekly book club or discussion group to share thoughts and laughs.
- Visualize While Reading
- What it is: Create mental images of scenes as you read them.
- How it helps: Enhances imagination and makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
- Tips: Pause after significant scenes to sketch or jot down your visualizations.
- Summarize Chapters
- What it is: Write brief summaries of each chapter after reading.
- How it helps: Boosts memory retention and helps you understand the plot and humor better.
- Tips: Keep your summaries concise and highlight the funniest moments to recall them later.
- Connect the Content to Your Life
- What it is: Relate events or characters in the book to your own experiences.
- How it helps: Deepens your connection to the book and enhances personal reflection.
- Tips: Write down these connections in your reading journal or discuss them with friends.
These exercises aren't just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading a fun and integral part of your daily life. So grab that hilarious book, dive in, and don't forget to try out these tips to get the most out of your reading time. Happy reading!