If your kids like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, you’ll want find books like those to keep your children engaged in reading. So I’ve created this book list of books like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid that are hilarious and appealing. Happy reading!
Books for Kids Who Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Galactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe’s Wiener Getaway by Max Brallier, illustrated by Rachel Maguire and Nichole Kelley
Kids LOVE this series. It’s got non-stop action, danger, potty humor, space adventures, zombie aliens, mutant worm wrestling, a misunderstood evil princess, good friends, video games, and a diabolical, hunting-them-down evil queen. Not to mention the loads of cartoon illustrations throughout and hilarious writing with a kazillion exclamation marks!!!!
Bird and Squirrel on Ice by James Burks
Bird’s over-confident, laissez-faire character pairs perfectly with Squirrel’s logical, fearful one. The duo crash land in the Penguin world where Bird is thought to be the “Chosen One” meant to save the penguins from the Great Whale. Except there’s a slight problem because that also means he’ll be sacrificed. An absolutely hysterical graphic novel series!
Unicorn on a Roll by Dana Simpson
Remember the vain unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils from the book, Phoebe and Her Unicorn? The two friends are back in this hilarious sequel with more funniness and fantastic growing-up (sarcastic) poignant life lessons. My kids and I adore these characters and love this new book. It’s one we’ll read over and over again.
Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce
Big Nate books will keep you laughing — most are a combo of text and comics like this one but now the Big Nate series is also in graphic novel form. Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans are going to crack up when they read this series of side-splitting books.
Hamster Princess Harriet the Invincible by Ursula Vernon
HILARIOUS remix of Sleeping Beauty. In this (much better) retelling, the princess realizes she can’t die until she’s 18 so therefore, she must be INVINCIBLE!! (All of the books in this series are laugh out loud funny.)
Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja by Marcus Emerson
I thought this was not just a great story but I just loved that the main character (the ninja) was a girl! Plus, it’s written in combo of text and comics like Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
The Worst Class Trip Ever by Dave Barry
Hilarious. Of course because Dave Barry! While on a class trip to Washington D.C., Wyatt and his best friend, Matt, are positive they’ve discovered a plot to blow up the White House. Wyatt’s crush, Suzanna, helps the friends make a plan, and as you can imagine, disaster and hilarity strike. I totally loved this book and know your kids (especially those who like humor) will as well.
To Kick a Corpse by Tom Angleberger (ages 7 – 10) series
Irreverent and wildly appealing humor!! Third in the series, these three friends are having trouble meeting to plot and plan since after their last (mis)adventure, Marilla’s parents said she couldn’t. But when Marilla hears about a slave master buried standing up to better control his slaves, she’s infuriated. She’s determined to right that wrong and kick him over! (other books in the series: Poop Fountain! and The Rat With the Human Face.)
The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
If you like funny, you’ll LOVE this series! Plus, in this first book, you’ll learn valuable cow trivia. But, it’s mostly the hilarious adventure of two pranksters who start out as rivals but eventually work together to pull off the biggest prank of all time — a prank that will ensure they get April Fool’s Day off from school.
The Tapper Twins Go to War (with each other) by Geoff Rodkey
Is this a true-to-life depiction of twins? As the pair seeks revenge upon each other, they feel justified and sort of guilty at the same time. (Of course, this doesn’t stop either of them.) As the story progresses, you’ll read interjecting texts between the parents, mostly unsure of how to handle different situations with their kids. Written in interviews, text messages, photos, handwritten additions, and screen shots, it’s appealing to our kids who live with these styles of communications every day.
The Croc Ate My Homework by Stephan Pastis
This book is so funny I can hardly stand it. My kids LOVED this book, as did I. It’s from the author of the Timmy Failure books and the Pearls Before Swine comic strip which curated especially for younger readers. The crocs are not the smartest and their stupidity will keep you thoroughly entertained. You’ll be sharing page after page with your family, friends, and neighbors.
Mal and Chad by Stephen McCranie
I hate to compare books but this is like the Calvin and Hobbs for the next generation. It’s a hilarious graphic novel with the real life misadventures of a boy and his dog.
My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish by Mo O’Hara
Hysterical and totally believable . . . that is if your goldfish dies and you bring him back to life. Only your goldfish doesn’t come back to life, he becomes a zombie. One that can mesmerize you with his powerful eyes and you’ll do anything he wants. Watch out!
Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon
Hysterical! I couldn’t stop laughing! This is such a funny series — and you’ll love that there are so many books to keep your kids reading for days and weeks on end.
The Perilous Princess Plot (Buckle and Squash) by Sarah Courtlauld
Very sarcastic and funny humor will keep you entertained throughout this book about a silly sister obsessed with princes and her more steady sister who rescues her silly sister from a kidnapping plot. Also, the great illustrations will help beginning readers enjoy this beginning chapter book.
Frankie Pickle by Eric Wight
Your kids will totally relate to this imaginative boy whose wild adventures are written in comic form — it’s funny and entertaining!
Stick Dog by Tom Watson
Silly. Very silly. Stick drawings and a stick dog (but with text, too) and a very sarcastic-ish narrator. Perfect for Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans.
The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
This book is a bit harder in reading level than the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books but is so fantastic with growing up angst and silliness that it’s worth the challenge.
Get to Work, Hercules! (Myth-O-Mania)
This book got us hooked on the Myth-O-Mania series. It’s so hilarious! Hades narrates the TRUE stories of the Greek Myths with panache. (Apparently, his younger brother Zeus is a big fat liar and edited all the myths to make himself look good.) In this story, Hades watches over his young, not-too-smart nephew, Hercules whom Hera has it out for — since he’s the son of Zeus from another woman. Wimpy Kid fans will RAVE about these goofy stories.
Middle School: The Worst Years of my Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts, illustrated by Laura Park
Totally hilarious premise and fantastic writing! Rafe’s goal in middle school is to break every single rule. You can imagine how his plan will go, right? Filled with cartoon-like illustrations, this story is going to crack you up. (see this also on the best chapter books for 6th graders list)
Timmy Failure by Stephan Pastis
Lots of kids love these books and rightfully so, they’re silly and relatable! If your Diary of a Wimpy Kid fan hasn’t checked this series out yet, put it on the top of your list to read.
Vordak the Incomprehensible by Vordak T. Incomprehensible
I haven’t laughed like this when reading a book in years – too funny! It’s pee-your-pants funny.
Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Old school humor at it’s best! These describe a wacky school with crazy teachers and even crazier events. Boys and girl fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books love this series.
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Fan favorites for years and with bonus movies, these are fun for book clubs and field trips. Read the books, then watch the movies.
Zeke Meeks by D.L. Green and Josh Alves
I loved Zeke Meeks – it’s a combo of text with comics and always a good life lesson. Funny and thought-provoking in an easy chapter book!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Charlie is one of the five winning children allowed to tour Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory. But it’s a tour unlike any other and the other not-too-nice-kids kids strangely disappear throughout. Funny and quirky.
The Twits by Roald Dahl
In the typical dark humor of Dahl, the Twits are mean and awful and we can’t help but crack up at every bad thing that comes there way. Perfect for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans who love to laugh while reading.
*ALL Roald Dahl books are funny. See complete Roald Dahl book list and printable booklet here.*
Knucklehead Tall Tales & Mostly True Stories of Growing Up Scieszka by Jon Scieszka
Growing up Scieszka was a WILD time – and will crack you up. Fantastic writing. I use this book for teaching memoir.
Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
If you haven’t read these addictive and hilarious graphic novels, they are a must — anyone who has eaten lunch in school will appreciate the humor, even parents love these books.
Shredderman: Secret Identity by Wendelin Van Draanen
Illustrated with comics, hilarious, relatable, this book has it all. Awesome.
Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen
Learn to be an entrepreneur or just play one on tv. This is a totally funny memoir from the author of many popular chapter books.
Alright Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans, I think you’ll really like these books! Have fun reading. 🙂
Books Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid
go to: Funny Books for Kids
Books for 8-year olds
Books for 9-year olds
Books for 10-year olds
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Books for 12-year olds
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Don’t miss these book lists:
- Ultimate Guide to Book Clubs for Kids
- Best chapter books series that kids will love
- Books for kids who love Harry Potter
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Daniel says
Great post, Melissa. My kid likes this book a lot (and me too to be precise), and I will surely check out the rest you’ve mentioned. Thanks again for the list 🙂
Cheers,
Daniel
Vero Salisbury says
Thanks, these are going to be right up our alley. More great reads are anything by Andy Griffiths of the “Help I’m Being Chased by a Giant Slug” persuasion, Also try Squish Super Amoeba and the whole Potterwookie, Wonkenstein etc. series by Obert Skye.
Beth says
Also check out the Aldo Zelnick series. Comic novels for elementary middle grades. Very entertaining! http://www.aldozelnick.com
Melissa Taylor says
thanks, Beth!
Kimbra Power says
Wow, how did I not know about this series…thanks for the rec.
W Shifflette says
We never heard of Stick Dog.
Thanks!
YvonneJ says
A couple more to add to the list: The Odd Squad Series by Michael Fry and (coming in September) Life of Zarf: The Trouble with Weasels by Rob Harrell. Stick Dog is a favorite at our library.
Melissa Taylor says
thanks, Yvonne!
Kristalyn @ Learning is Messy says
Question for you… my 8 yr old is an avid reader. he wants to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid. he’s read Origami Yoda and Big Nate and loved them both. from what I know about Diary of a Wimpy Kid, I don’t like it. can you summarize it? is it worth reading when he’s already reading a ton? is it quality or just potty humor?
I enjoy and value your book recommendations. Many times I immediately click over to our library link and put all the books you recommend on hold and give them a go, so I’d really value what you had to say on this series. Thanks.
Melissa Taylor says
thanks, Kristalyn!
Diary is a funny series about the misadventures (disasters, more like) of the narrator, Greg, in middle school. It’s been awhile since I read them but I don’t remember potty humor – maybe there is some but for sure nothing like Captain Underpants. I found it entertaining with life lessons kids can relate to. I say give it a try – maybe read it together?
Kristalyn @ Learning is Messy says
Very good. Thanks!