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Five Faves: Funny Fiction for Reluctant Readers

These five funny fiction books will tickle your funny bone and hopefully make you laugh out loud or at least chuckle. If you enjoy a good book full of entertaining humor you will want to check out one of these five funny fiction books. They will put a smile on your face. 


By Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey
New York: Norton Young Readers, 2023. Fiction. 231 pages. 

Lincoln and Hudson are brothers who have very active imaginations. They like to spend their time hunting for yetis and going on epic quests. But sometimes their imaginary adventures cause havoc in the real world, especially for their babysitters. When Ms. Joyce comes to babysit the boys they find she isn't one to give in and bend the rules, so Lincoln and Hudson decide that she has to go. They plan the perfect battle which involves water balloons and wet tissue paper and Ms. Joyce is finally dismissed by their parents. But, the boys soon realize their mistake and now it is their mission to get Ms. Joyce to come back. 

This is a funny hybrid prose, graphic novel type of book that will leave everyone laughing and enjoying the crazy antics of two brothers who cause mischief and mayhem wherever they go. A perfect book for anyone who loves a good laugh.


By Erin Soderberg Downing
New York: Pixel Ink, 2021. Fiction. 252 pages.

Lucy, Freddy, and Herb Peach are ready for summer vacation. They have plans to read, do art projects, and spend time playing at the pool, but what they don't plan on is spending the summer driving around the country in a food truck. When dad announces his plans to buy a food truck and spend the summer traveling the Midwest seeing the country and selling pies, they are all skeptical. After all, they don't even know how to bake a pie!  

Hilarious mishaps and adventures follow the Peach family as they fulfill their mothers dream of baking and selling pies while seeing the country. If you love family adventures you will enjoy spending the summer reading about the Great Peach Experiment. 


Written by Sara Pennypacker
Illustrated by Matthew Cordell
New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2023. Fiction. 305 pages.

Leeva Thornblossom has lived a solitary life with her fame-absorbed mother and her money-obsessed father. She is forbidden to attend school and she doesn't get to leave the house very often. One day Leeva leaves the house seeking an answer to an important question, "What are people for?" She visits the library and talks to people in town asking them her important question. The answers Leeva finds to this question will bring about events that will change the town of Nutsmore forever.

An entertaining story reminiscent of Roald Dahl's Matilda and a Series of Unfortunate Events with villains, despicable parents, and delicious cookies. You will be inspired by Leeva and her determination to change her life and her grand adventure out into the world.


Written by Stuart Gibbs
Illustrated by Stacy Curtis
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022. Fiction. 155 pages.

Tim is a peasant, but he is determined to be more and to make something of himself. When the Princess from a nearby kingdom is kidnapped a royal announcement is made asking for knights to join the quest to rescue her. This is Tim's big chance. He might not know anything about riding a horse or how to fight with a sword, but he is determined to make his dream come true. 

A quirky fairy tale told from a peasant's point of view, rather than the prince or princess. A wonderful book for readers who love a silly fairy tale with plenty of laughs along the way. 


By Aaron Reynolds
Los Angeles: Disney Hyperion, 2020. Fiction. 213 pages.

Rex Dexter is cursed with an ability to communicate with dead animals who have died with unfinished business. Now, Rex is on the case! He is trying to find out who is killing the animals and while he is looking for the killer, Rex is also trying to convince his parents that he is responsible enough to own his own dog. 

If you like slapstick humor and characters who think they are clever but really aren't, you will love this book. This paranormal fantasy for middle grade readers will tickle your funny bone. 















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