10+ Best Funny Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for a way to keep your 9-year-old giggling through their reading time? You're in the right spot! Our latest roundup features some of the best funny books for 9-year-olds, guaranteed to bring the laughs and brighten their day. Whether they're into crazy adventures or quirky characters, we've got something that will tickle their funny bone. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to be a hit!

Fun Funny Books for 9-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 as he navigates his way through middle school, with its trials, tribulations, and hilarious misadventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable and laugh-out-loud funny, making it a great pick to engage reluctant readers and show them that reading can be fun.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comics and stories about school life.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kind-hearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because he refuses to eat boys and girls.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative story and whimsical language, plus it teaches important values like friendship and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical adventures and stories of unlikely friendships.

• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The series follows two fourth-graders, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, who accidentally hypnotize their mean principal into thinking he's a superhero clad in underwear.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique blend of text and comic-style illustrations keeps readers entertained and engaged, encouraging a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate slapstick humor and superhero themes.

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a bizarre school where the classrooms are stacked vertically, the stories are about the eccentric antics of the students and teachers at Wayside School.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each chapter is an absurdly funny story that encourages creative thinking and keeps readers guessing what's next.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like quirky characters and unpredictable plots.

• Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater, illustrated by Robert Lawson
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The tale of Mr. Popper, a house painter fascinated by Antarctic explorations, whose life changes when he receives a penguin as a gift and decides to start a penguin family in his home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a touch of adventure and is both entertaining and heartwarming.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and any child who dreams of the most unusual pets.

Educational Funny Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This is a story about Miles Murphy, who moves to a new town and discovers there's already a prankster—and he's good. Determined to outdo him, a rivalry turns into an unlikely partnership as they pull off the biggest prank ever.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, creativity, understanding of friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of witty humor and clever pranks that keep the reader laughing while subtly addressing themes of change and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good practical joke and stories about friendship and rivalry.

• My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian, illustrated by Jake Tashjian
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Derek Fallon finds a way to make summer learning fun after he discovers a series of cartoons illustrating a story hidden in his attic, leading him on an unexpected adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, engagement with storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly combines text and cartoons, making it engaging for reluctant readers and illustrating the joy of unlocking a good story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who might be reluctant readers and those who enjoy stories with visual elements.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Nick Allen invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of events that captures the nation's attention.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary development, understanding of language and its evolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the power of words and ideas while being incredibly entertaining and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Young linguists and any child who enjoys clever, inventive stories.

• The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Andy and Terry live in a treehouse with 13 stories (it keeps growing!) that includes everything from a see-through swimming pool to a marshmallow machine. Their zany adventures are as wild as their living quarters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, creative problem-solving, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wildly imaginative series that encourages creativity and thinking outside the box.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream big and love stories that push the boundaries of reality.

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young
  • Genre(s): Humor, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A father goes to buy milk and returns with wild tales of aliens, pirates, and time travel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, storytelling, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure wrapped in hilarity, showcasing Gaiman's brilliant imagination and wit.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate a good laugh and a wild adventure.

Challenging Funny Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Young Milo is bored with life until a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room. Driving through it, he finds himself in a strange land of puns and puzzles, learning valuable lessons with every bizarre encounter.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that require a higher level of reading comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful blend of whimsy and wisdom, encouraging readers to see the world in new ways and appreciate the wonder of learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and stretching their imagination.

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Parody
  • Synopsis: This is a tongue-in-cheek parody of classic children's literature, where the Willoughby siblings plot to become orphans to pursue their own adventures, only to find themselves entangled in a series of humorous and unexpected events.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with and subverts familiar tropes from classic children's literature, requiring some understanding of these genres for full appreciation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's clever, funny, and offers a unique twist on traditional storytelling, making it a fresh and engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy satire and clever humor, and those familiar with classic children's literature.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children pass a series of mind-bending tests to be selected for a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must stop a plot that threatens the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The puzzles and mysteries require logical reasoning and problem-solving skills that are more advanced, making it a brain-teasing read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with intellect in a compelling adventure, promoting teamwork and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any reader who loves solving puzzles and unraveling complex plots.

• The Tapper Twins Go to War (With Each Other) by Geoff Rodkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: This book chronicles the uproarious feud between twelve-year-old twins Claudia and Reese, told through photos, screenshots, text messages, and the twins' own accounts.
  • Why this book is challenging: The format is unique and requires readers to piece together the story from various digital formats, enhancing their media literacy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a modern and hilarious look at sibling rivalry and reconciliation, very relatable and engaging for today's tech-savvy kids.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh, contemporary storytelling methods, and anyone with a sibling.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • 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 involves complex plots and high-stakes conflict requiring sophisticated understanding and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of magic and technology with a clever young protagonist, offering a gripping and intellectually stimulating read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and science fiction and are looking for something challenging and exciting.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to enhance your 9-year-old's reading habits while keeping it fun, here are some engaging exercises that can be paired with funny books. These activities not only make reading enjoyable but also help develop strong reading skills.

• Create a Comic Strip
  • What it is: Draw a comic strip based on a funny scene from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages creative thinking and helps with comprehension by visualizing the story.
  • Tips: Use simple stick figures and speech bubbles to keep it fun and easy.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Choose your favorite character or one that makes the funniest decisions.

• Funny Book Club
  • What it is: Start a book club focused on funny books.
  • How it helps: Reading becomes a social activity, making it more engaging and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Meet regularly to discuss the books and share laughs over favorite parts.

• Scavenger Hunt Through the Book
  • What it is: Create a scavenger hunt based on items and themes from the story.
  • How it helps: Improves attention to detail and makes reading interactive.
  • Tips: Keep a list of items to find and check them off as you read.

• Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Helps with memory and understanding of the narrative.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and immersion.

• Design a Book Cover
  • What it is: Create a new cover for the book based on your interpretation.
  • How it helps: Encourages artistic expression and a deeper connection with the book.
  • Tips: Use colors and drawings that represent the mood or themes of the book.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic part of your child's life. By engaging in these activities, kids can enjoy the humor in books while developing a lifelong love for reading. So, grab a funny book and let the fun (and learning) begin!