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

Looking for a way to keep your 8-10-year-olds entertained and reading? You’re in the right spot! Our roundup of funny books for 8-10-year-olds is packed with laughs that are sure to delight young readers and keep those pages turning. Whether they love crazy adventures or hilarious mishaps, there's something here that will tickle their funny bone. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that will not only entertain but also foster a love of reading.

Fun Funny Books for 8-10-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 with his best friend Rowley. Greg's diary entries are filled with humorous incidents and drawings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilariously relatable and presents everyday challenges through the eyes of a witty protagonist, making reading fun and engaging for kids.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good laugh and enjoy stories about school life and friendships.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, is kind and charming. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: Dahl's unique language play and imaginative storytelling captivate young readers, encouraging creativity and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy magical stories and quirky characters.

• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Two prankster kids, George and Harold, accidentally turn their mean principal into Captain Underpants, a superhero with good intentions but questionable intelligence.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its laugh-out-loud humor and creative comic-style illustrations make it an irresistible read for children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy superheroes and lots of giggles.

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in a bizarre school built 30-stories high, with one classroom on each floor, this book shares the wacky stories of the students and teachers at Wayside School.
  • Why we recommend this book: The absurdity and surreal humor in the stories make reading enjoyable and highly entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like their stories a little weird and wildly imaginative.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers who faces off against her cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, and her neglectful parents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It champions the power of reading and kindness over adversity, inspiring children to believe in their own strength and abilities.
  • Perfect for: Intelligent young readers who dream of changing the world and fans of magical adventures.

Educational Funny Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Andy and Terry live in a 13-story treehouse with everything you can imagine: a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and automatically shoots marshmallows into your mouth whenever you are hungry.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, imagination, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with zany illustrations and crazy ideas that make reading both fun and engaging, sparking imagination.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love inventive stories and over-the-top humor.

• Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater and Florence Atwater, illustrated by Robert Lawson
  • Genre(s): Humor, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This charming tale follows the adventures of Mr. Popper, a house painter fascinated by the Arctic, who finds himself the unexpected keeper of a dozen penguins that turn his life upside down and launch him into the world of show business.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, understanding of sequential events and cause and effect
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a heartwarming story, making it a captivating read that teaches about responsibility and adaptation.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who enjoy funny, whimsical tales.

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young
  • Genre(s): Humor, Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A father goes out to get some milk and comes back with wild tales of aliens, pirates, and time travel. It’s a hilarious adventure that might just be the longest milk run in history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, storytelling, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: Neil Gaiman's brilliant storytelling is matched with playful and engaging illustrations, making this book a thrilling ride for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids with a vivid imagination and a love for thrilling, fantastical adventures.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Bored and listless Milo finds a magic tollbooth in his room. Driving through it, he enters a world full of puns, wordplay, and literal idioms that challenge his perception of education and adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, vocabulary, appreciation for language and wordplay
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever, witty book that challenges the mind and tickles the funny bone, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles, word games, and clever humor.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: When Nick Allen decides to call his pen a "frindle," he doesn't expect it to catch on. But when it does, it creates a series of events that teaches him about the power of words and how a simple idea can become a big change.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, creativity, understanding of language and social dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous yet insightful look at creativity, language, and the power of ideas.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious, inventive, and interested in words and their meanings.

Challenging Funny Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Satire
  • Synopsis: This book humorously parodies traditional children's stories featuring orphaned children. The Willoughby siblings plot to become orphans themselves, leading to a series of funny and unexpected adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses satire and more complex themes of familial relationships which require a higher level of comprehension and sense of humor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever twist on classic tales that encourages critical thinking about the stories we are familiar with, all while being incredibly entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and are ready to think critically about the themes in their reading material.

• 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 nothing is quite as it seems.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex puzzles and mysteries within the story require advanced problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with brain-teasing puzzles, making it not only fun but intellectually stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Bright kids who love solving puzzles and mysteries.

• The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
  • Genre(s): Humor, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Miss Penelope Lumley is hired as a governess to three wild children who were apparently raised by wolves. She must teach them how to fit into society, which leads to many humorous situations.
  • Why this book is challenging: The Victorian setting and rich language provide a more advanced reading experience, along with the book's layered humor and mysteries.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and heartwarming story that promotes empathy and understanding of differences, wrapped in a delightful mystery.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy historical settings and are up for a good laugh mixed with a bit of mystery.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cassandra and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box that leads them into a secretive and dangerous adventure involving an ancient alchemist and a magical secret.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is filled with codes, puzzles, and complex vocabulary that challenge the reader's comprehension and deductive reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It engages readers with its secretive and intriguing plot while encouraging them to solve puzzles and think critically.
  • Perfect for: Curious readers who love cracking codes and uncovering secrets in their adventures.

• 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 high-tech fantasy world and complex anti-hero protagonist provide a rich and challenging reading experience with advanced themes and vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling blend of magic, technology, and humor, all while exploring complex moral questions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantasy worlds mixed with high-stakes adventure and a touch of humor.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to get your 8-10-year-olds into the habit of reading while keeping it fun, here are some engaging exercises that can help. These activities are designed to complement their reading of funny books and enhance their reading experience. Let's dive in!

• Create a Laugh Tracker
  • What it is: Keep a notebook or a sheet of paper where kids can write down moments or lines from the book that made them laugh.
  • How it helps: Encourages kids to pay more attention to what they're reading and think about why it's funny.
  • Tips: Encourage them to share their funniest picks with family or friends, which can also turn into a fun discussion about the book.

• Illustrate the Jokes
  • What it is: Draw a favorite scene or a funny character from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retention by visualizing the content.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like markers, crayons, or paints to keep the activity engaging and colorful.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out a funny scene from the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the story and characters through performance.
  • Tips: They can use props around the house to make the role play more interesting and lively.

• Book Club Mini-Meet
  • What it is: Organize a small book discussion group with a couple of friends who are also reading the same book.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and expression by discussing the funny elements and themes of the book.
  • Tips: Prepare a few questions or fun activities related to the book for the mini-meet to keep the discussion structured.

• Funny Bookmarks
  • What it is: Create bookmarks that feature quotes or images from the book.
  • How it helps: Keeps kids engaged with their reading material and makes the process more personal and enjoyable.
  • Tips: They can use these bookmarks as a craft project and even swap them with friends as they finish different books.

These activities aren't just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic part of your child's life. They'll help your kids develop a love for books while also having a ton of fun. So, grab those funny books and let the laughter and learning begin!