10+ Best Funny Chapter 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 roundup of funny chapter books for 9-year-olds is packed with stories that promise laughter and delight. Whether they're into whimsical adventures or quirky characters, there's something here that will tickle their funny bone. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to bring smiles and chuckles to young readers.

Fun Funny Chapter Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Greg Heffley who finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilarious and relatable, making it a great pick to engage reluctant readers and show them that reading can be fun and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and stories about school life.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who's nothing like the other giants. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the mean giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative storytelling and whimsical language, perfect for enhancing vocabulary and reading enjoyment.
  • Perfect for: Children who love magical adventures and stories of unlikely friendships.

• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Two fourth-graders, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, create a superhero named Captain Underpants, who accidentally becomes real when their principal thinks he’s the superhero due to hypnosis.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique blend of text and comic-style illustrations makes it incredibly engaging for young readers, encouraging them to read more.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and comics, and those who appreciate a good giggle.

• My Weird School by Dan Gutman, illustrated by Jim Paillot
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The series follows A.J. and his odd classmates at Ella Mentry School, where the grown-ups are quite weird in their own ways.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book in the series uses humor and quirky characters to keep the reading light and enjoyable, which helps maintain interest in reading.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy series with lots of books and funny, quirky characters.

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Wayside School was supposed to be built with thirty classrooms all on one floor; instead, it was built sideways with the rooms stacked one on top of the other – except for the 19th floor, which is mysteriously missing.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its absurdity and unique characters make it a delight to read, offering a break from more traditional school stories.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like stories that are a bit out of the ordinary or enjoy laughing at bizarre scenarios.

Educational Funny Chapter Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Brian Biggs
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Young Frank Einstein loves figuring out how the world works by inventing gadgets in his lab. When he creates Klink, a self-assembled artificial-intelligence entity, and Klank, a mostly self-assembled artificial almost intelligence entity, adventures and mishaps follow.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science concepts, problem-solving, innovation
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines real science with hilarious, creative storytelling, encouraging kids to learn about physics and engineering in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love science and inventions.

• The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Miles Murphy is not happy to be moving to Yawnee Valley, a sleepy town that’s famous for one thing and one thing only: cows. His plan to be the best prankster is thwarted when he meets the already established school prankster, Niles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, creativity, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with pranks, jokes, and a rivalry that turns into a hilarious friendship, making it a great read for promoting teamwork and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Prank lovers and fans of stories about friendship and rivalry.

• The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book introduces four small but determined chickens (Dirt, Sugar, Poppy, and Sweetie) who are not your typical barnyard puffs of fluff but are in fact a crime-solving squad that tackles the big mysteries.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a funny, action-packed series that encourages critical thinking and teamwork in a very light-hearted and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and lovers of animal adventures.

• Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Stink buys a jawbreaker that doesn't break his jaw and writes a letter of complaint to the manufacturer. To his surprise, he receives a box of the company's new and improved jawbreakers, setting off a series of letters and packages.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Letter writing, communication skills, persistence
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of communication and persistence in a humorous context, all while keeping readers entertained with Stink’s adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about justice and candy.

• The Adventures of Nanny Piggins by R.A. Spratt, illustrated by Dan Santat
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Nanny Piggins, the world’s most glamorous flying pig, takes on the job of nanny for the Green children and leads them on a series of comedic escapades.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, humor, adventure storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers uproarious fun, clever problem-solving, and heartwarming lessons, all rolled into one.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love whimsical stories and humorous, unconventional characters.

Challenging Funny Chapter Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Satire
  • Synopsis: This book humorously parodies traditional children's stories, featuring the Willoughby siblings who concoct a diabolical plan to turn themselves into worthy and winsome orphans.
  • Why this book is challenging: It employs a sophisticated vocabulary and ironic tone that require a higher level of reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever and witty satire that offers a fresh perspective on classic children's literature themes, encouraging critical thinking about storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever humor and satirical takes on classic tales.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • 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 complex puzzles and riddles integrated into the plot challenge readers to think critically and solve problems alongside the characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with brain-teasing puzzles, making it intellectually stimulating and thoroughly entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and team-based adventures.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and whimsical characters.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich with wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge readers to look beyond the literal and enjoy the nuances of language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and ideas to spark imagination and a love of reading, all while entertaining with its witty narrative.
  • Perfect for: Children who delight in wordplay and imaginative journeys.

• The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood, illustrated by Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Governess Penelope Lumley is charged with the care of three wild children who were found in the forests of Ashton Place. She must civilize them enough to fit into high society, which leads to many humorous and mysterious incidents.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style incorporates advanced vocabulary and a complex plot structure that includes elements of mystery and historical settings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous tale with a mix of mystery and history, providing both entertainment and educational value.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings, mysteries, and stories about unconventional children.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a town that sacrifices a baby each year to the witch in the forest to avoid her wrath, the witch, Xan, is actually kind and rescues the children, accidentally feeding one baby moonlight and granting her magical powers.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes such as sacrifice, power, and coming of age with rich, poetic language.
  • Why we recommend this book: This beautifully written tale captivates with its depth and magic, encouraging a deeper understanding of complex themes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are drawn to beautifully crafted fantasy stories with deep, meaningful themes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a 9-year-old who's diving into the world of funny chapter books, you're in the right place. Developing good reading habits early can make a huge difference in their enjoyment and comprehension of what they read. Here are some exercises designed to do just that:

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading.
  • How it helps: Establishes a routine and makes reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time when your child is usually relaxed, such as before bedtime.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, comfortable space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Talk
  • What it is: Have a discussion about the book after each chapter or book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows your child to express thoughts and feelings about the story.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and connections.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Set a challenge with a certain number of books to read over a period.
  • How it helps: Motivates and encourages consistent reading habits.
  • Tips: Reward completion with a small prize or a special activity.

• Buddy Reading
  • What it is: Pair your child with a friend or a family member to read together.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and can improve confidence.
  • Tips: Encourage them to take turns reading aloud to each other.

• Visual Reading Log
  • What it is: Create a visual map or chart that tracks the books your child has read.
  • How it helps: Provides a visual representation of achievement and progress.
  • Tips: Use stickers or drawings to mark each completed book.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the character and the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and engagement.

These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to building lifelong readers who not only read well but also enjoy it. Give them a try and watch your young reader flourish with each page they turn!