If your kids like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, you’ll want to find read-alike books to keep your children engaged in reading. This book list contains books that are just as hilarious and appealing to kids. 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!
Phoebe and Her Unicorn: A Heavenly Nostrils Chronicle by Dana Simpson
Sarcastic and hilarious, this is a laugh-out-loud comic book story about a precocious young girl and her reluctant unicorn “best friend.” BOXED SET
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! Readers will appreciate how it’s written in a 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 is so funny! While on a class trip to Washington D.C., Wyatt and his best friend, Matt, are positive that 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.
The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
If you like funny, you’ll LOVE this series! In this first book, you’ll learn valuable cow trivia while you read about 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.
Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young HUMOR
If you like quirky humor, then this is your perfect book. Because you will never believe, except you totally will, what happens when the kids’ father goes out to get more milk. He doesn’t even get the milk but he does run into pirates, aliens, and all sorts of incredible things! Totally hilarious and quite short–which is appealing to many readers.
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.) Written in interviews, text messages, photos, handwritten additions, and screenshots, it will be engaging 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 giggling. So much so that 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
Totally believable . . . if your goldfish dies and you bring him back to life. Only in this story, your dead 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 so you better watch out!
Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon
Hysterical! I couldn’t stop laughing! This is such a funny series about a young dragon. Plus, 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. Her more steady sister must rescue 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!
Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo
Quirky and delightful, this is the tale of a girl named Flora who rescues a squirrel and keeps it as a friend. Together they experience the world in a unique, funny, and wonderful way, and straighten it out, too.
Stick Dog by Tom Watson
Silly. Very silly. Stick drawings of a stick dog, a very sarcastic-ish narrator, and a relatable adventure make this perfect for Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans.
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.
More Similar Books for Kids Who Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Middle School: The Worst Years of my Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts, illustrated by Laura Park
A 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.
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.
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 their 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 with the fantastic, humorous writing. I use this book frequently for teaching small moments and 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.
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy, illustrated by Todd Harris
The princes in the fairy tales aren’t as famous as their princesses but in this story, it’s all about them! Kicked out of their castles, these princes turn from bumbling idiots into heroes and save their kingdoms with hilarity and adventure!
The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
This book is a bit harder of a reading level than the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books but is so fantastic with growing-up angst and silliness.
Books Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Alright Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans, I think you’ll really like these books! Have fun reading. 🙂
Also read: Funny Books for Kids
Books for 8-year olds
Books for 9-year olds
Books for 10-year olds
Books for 11-year olds
Books for 12-year olds
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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!