Funny Ha Ha

Laura B. wrote to the blog asking for recommendations for humorous middle-grade books. She said that her youngest “has always gravitated towards books with a sense of humor, but not slapstick” and mentioned that the Wow in the World series, Dog Man, and Spy Penguins are favorites. Here are some suggestions for other funny books for Laura’s kid.

Let’s start with some fantastic graphic novel series.

Lucy and Andy Neanderthal series by Jeffrey Brown (started 2016)

Silliness in the Stone Age, with a sprinkling of facts about pre-history.

Star Scouts series by Mike Lawrence (started 2017)

Avani’s dad wants her to make friends in the Flower Scouts, but she doesn’t fit in with the troop. Luckily, she discovers the intergalactic Star Scouts and makes a new alien friend.

Max and the Midknights series by Lincoln Peirce (started 2019)

A fun series by the author of the Big Nate books about Max who dreams of becoming a knight.

There are a bunch of great humorous, middle-grade novels, including Diary of a Wimpy Kid. (See my post on Wimpy Kid readalikes.)

The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel) by Ellen Raskin (1971)

This stand-alone novel by the author of The Westing Game is a humorous mystery about a missing husband, abandoned twins, and a secret message. One of my favorites growing up!

The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis (1995)

The Watson family of Flint, Michigan, take a trip to mama’s hometown in Alabama. The historic backdrop is important and interesting, but the daily foibles of the family members bring humor to the book as well.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series by Maryrose Wood (2009)

Written in a somewhat old-fashioned style reminiscent of 19th-century novels, these books about a governess and her charges — three children who were raised by wolves — frequently has me laughing out loud. The twists, the turns, the howls!

Tree House Books series by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton (started 2011)

Andy and Terry are friends who live in a tree house. In each volume they overcome adversity (and silliness) to write a book for their publisher. With some much illustrated content, this could also have gone in the graphic novel category.

Spy School series by Stuart Gibbs (started 2012)

When Ben gets to attend the Academy of Espionage, he thinks his dreams have come true. But he becomes unsure about which are the good guys and the bad guys. Great humor and suspense.

Tapper Twins series by Geoff Rodkey (started 2015)

Appealing series written in texts and interview transcripts. The battles between the Tapper siblings will have your kids roaring.

Legendary Alston Boys series by Lamar Giles and Dapo Adeola (started 2019)

Two cousins battle suspenseful (and funny) supernatural mysteries in this great series.

Finally, I’ll wrap up with a non-fiction pick.

Ken Jennings’ Junior Genius Guides by Ken Jennings (started 2014)

The Jeopardy! champion penned a series of books on topics from dinosaurs to outer space. Approachable and fun.