With its hilarious mix of cartoons and middle school drama, it’s no wonder Diary of a Wimpy Kid remains a favorite among readers. Kids craving more laugh-out-loud humor, awkward moments, and relatable coming-of-age adventures will want to check out these entertaining read-alikes. From doodle-filled pages and shifting friendships to cringe-worthy school mishaps, these books deliver the same kind of fun that keeps readers hooked and coming back for more.
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HIGHLY ILLUSTRATED FUNNY BOOKS
Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom (series) by Matthew Swanson, illustrated by Robbi Behr, 2021
When Ben Yokoyama receives a fortune cookie instructing him to live each day like it’s his last, he takes the words to heart and makes a list of all the things he wants to accomplish on his last day on Earth. What ensues is a hysterical story following this lovable character along with his best friend and quirky family as they each lead a lifechanging day no one will forget. Bursting with humor, warmth, and lively illustrations, this book is an absolute joy to read. Kids and adults alike will be eager for more adventures with the endearing Ben Yokoyama.
Big Nate: In a Class by Himself (series) by Lincoln Peirce
(Ages 9 and up)
Sixth grader Nate Wright is convinced he is destined for greatness, he just has to survive middle school first. This hilarious tale of a lovable, larger-than-life troublemaker is filled with comical cartoons, endearing characters, and a fast-paced, funny storyline that will keep readers excited to dive into each book in the series.
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates (series) by L. Pichon
(Ages 9 and up)
This series is often referred to as the British version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, so you know it will be popular with kids. Ten-year-old Tom Gates loves to draw pictures, annoy his sister Delia, hang with his best friend Derek, and avoid homework at all costs.
The Best of Iggy (series) by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sam Ricks
(Ages 8 and up)
Nine-year-old Iggy really doesn’t want to be known as a bad kid, but trouble seems to have a way of finding him. Packed with comical black-and-white illustrations, this hilarious book chronicles his misadventures in short, lively chapters that will keep readers eager for more of Iggy’s antics.
The Terrible Two (series) by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
Miles Murphy couldn’t be less excited about moving to Yawnee Valley, a town famous for their large number of cattle. The only saving grace is that he can start his 5th grade year as the school’s new prankster. When he arrives on the first day to find the principal’s car blocking the entrance to the school, however, he realizes Yawnee may already have a prankster that needs to be dethroned. We read this book aloud as a family and it had everyone cracking up. Between the comical writing and hysterical illustrations, this one is perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who enjoys a funny story.
The Truth About 5th Grade by Kim Tomsic, illustrated by Mark Parisi
(Ages 9 and up)
Told in alternating chapters in a diary format between best friends Charlotte (Charli) and Alex, this highly illustrated book is a fun view into 5th graders navigating school, crushes, and the changing social dynamic between friends. When Charli is convinced that Alex has betrayed her by sharing her biggest secret, she seeks revenge putting their friendship in jeopardy forever.
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made (series) by Stephan Pastis
(Ages 8 and up)
This quirky tale follows a young boy named Timmy who runs his own detective agency. With his business partner (an imaginary polar bear) at his side, Timmy is determined to solve the world’s greatest and smallest mysteries. Unfortunately, he is a terrible detective, and readers can’t help but laugh as the clueless Timmy gets into several comical calamities. Black-and-white illustrations add to the humor of this silly story that has also been made into a movie by the same name.
Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Ghosts (series) by Katie and Kevin Tsang
(Ages 8 and up)
After a horribly embarrassing incident on a class field trip, science-loving Sam is determined to prove his bravery. Luckily, he has his best friends and a new pet to help him along the way.
With energetic illustrations and a lovable, quirky protagonist, this book is a fantastic start to a series that celebrates courage in all its forms.
Mac Undercover (Mac B. Kid Spy series) by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Mike Lowery, 2018
In this quirky story, acclaimed author Mac Barnett, reveals that he was actually a super spy as a child. Set in the 1980’s, the humorous tale takes readers on a hysterical adventure of Mac flying to London to aid the queen in the mystery of her missing Crown Jewels. While some of the humor may go over kids’ heads, they won’t care because they will be having so much fun reading about Mac’s exciting escapade traveling the world in this comical story.
My Life as a Book (series) by Janet Tashjian, illustrated by Jake Tashjian
(Ages 9 and up)
Reluctant readers will find a kindred spirit in Derek Fallon who simply wants to spend his summer reading Calvin and Hobbs and launching water balloons at the UPS truck. Unfortunately, his parents have other ideas. Mixed in to Derek’s humorous hijinks is a mystery surrounding an old newspaper article that Derek uncovers. Sprinkled throughout the story are Derek’s doodles of vocabulary words, blending humor with a dash of education.
Middle School Bites (series) by Steven Banks, illustrated by Mark Fearing
(Ages 9 and up)
Eleven-year-old Tom is already nervous about starting middle school, but when he gets bit by a vampire, werewolf, and a zombie, things get worse than he can imagine. This is such a funny and entertaining look at starting sixth grade that our family absolutely loved.
The Misadventures of Max Crumbly (series)by Rachel Renée Russell
(Ages 10 and up)
After years of being homeschooled, Max Crumbly is finally heading to public middle school for eighth grade. He dreams of becoming the hero of the halls, but instead finds himself targeted by the school bully, Doug the Thug. This funny and fast-paced story follows Max’s misadventures during his first few weeks, as he navigates lockers, lunchrooms, and an unexpected turn of events that turns him into a real-life hero after all.
My Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner
(Ages 10 and up)
In a hysterical mishap, new student Ben Hardy accidentally injures the school mascot, a potato named Spud. Now Ben must don the costume and keep his new role hidden from friends and family, or risk losing his shot at popularity. My kids and I read this book together and loved the clever dialogue, endearing characters, and laugh-out-loud storyline.
The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
Dwight may be a goofy six-grade boy known for his quirky behavior, so when he creates an origami Yoda finger puppet that can predict the future and offers shockingly helpful advice, his classmates are mystified. This comical story is a fun look at trying to navigate the varying social aspects of sixth grade.
ILLUSTRATED COMING-OF-AGE TALES THAT BLENDS HUMOR WITH EMOTIONAL DEPTH
Stuntboy: In the Meantime by Jason Reynolds; illustrated by Raúl the Third
This heavily illustrated story, stars Portico Reeves who believes he is a superhero whose power is keeping his family and friends safe. While there is plenty of humor, there is also depth as readers learn that Portico suffers from anxiety and he fears his parents will be getting a divorce soon. With a cast of quirky characters, an engaging format, and a story with a lot of heart, this unique tale is irresistible.
Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai
(Ages 10 and up)
Told in a diary-style format with expressive illustrations accented in green, the story follows 12-year-old Henry Khoo, who feels smothered by his overprotective family and secretly flies from Australia to Singapore to visit his father. Along the way, readers learn that Henry is also the anonymous creator of a viral blog called Fly on the Wall that pokes fun at his school, teachers, and classmates. Through his journey, Henry begins to take responsibility for his actions and discovers healthier ways to express himself.
Confessions of a Class Clown by Arianne Costner
Based on the fact that goofball seventh grader Jack Reynolds has thousands of MyTube channel followers, one may believe he is the most popular kid in school. In reality, however, he struggles with making and keeping friends. When he is desperate to find a new partner for a prank for his MyTube channel, he turns to a friendship speed-dating program in his school with surprising results. I just love how authentic the characters in this book feel and how they grow and develop throughout the story.
This book is an important conversation starter on navigating social media and friendships providing prompts for what it means to be a good friend, how to resolve conflict, and the importance of respecting others.
Popcorn by Rob Harrell
(Ages 10 and up)
This book skillfully blends humor with more complex themes like anxiety and a grandparent’s struggle with Alzheimer. Andrew is learning to manage his OCD, but everything spirals out of control on Picture Day, when it feels like the entire universe is working against him. The result is a heartfelt, funny, and relatable story about resilience and self-acceptance.
Chronicles of Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness
(Ages 10 and up)
This unique story uses animals as the main characters to create an imaginative, poignant, and funny tale about identity and belonging. As one of the only reptiles in a school of mammals and birds, Zeke must find the bravery to stand up to a want-to-be super villain while balancing troubles at home. This a surprising mix of silliness and a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be seen and accepted.
Wink by Rob Harrell
Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans looking for a story with a bit more depth may want to meet Ross Maloy, a typical seventh grader who’s just been diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. Drawing from his own experience, author Rob Harrell uses humor to capture the everyday struggles of middle school while also portraying the fear and frustration of facing a serious illness. The result is a heartfelt and compelling story that balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional insight.
Frazzled: Every Day Disasters and Impending Doom by Booki Vivat
(Ages 10 and up)
Soon-to-be sixth grader Abbie Wu is totally freaking out. As the middle child, she feels like everyone around her has a “thing” that makes them special except her. While she’s a bit neurotic, Abbie is also kindhearted, relatable, and easy to root for as she navigates the ups and downs of middle school. Her journey to find her place is both hilarious and heartfelt, making this a fun and engaging read for anyone who’s ever felt a little lost in the middle.
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MIDDLE GRADE GRAPHIC NOVELS
