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Funny chapter books to engage an 8-year-old who is a reluctant reader
— 445 books
Not quite right? Ask our librarian
The Old Man and the Tiger
Alvin Tresselt
For the child learning that getting older or changing doesn't mean losing your value. A gentle fable about using your mi
Ages 4–8
Romance of the Snob Squad
Julie Anne Peters
For the child navigating the tricky waters of middle school crushes and the importance of having friends who accept you
Ages 8–12
Ergo
Alexis Deacon
For the child starting to ask big questions about what is real and how they fit into the wide world beyond their own fro
Ages 4–8
Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins!
Karina Evans
For the child feeling nervous about their body changing or facing the social pressure of a first period right before a b
Ages 8–12
The Pig Who Saved the World
Paul Shipton
For the child who feels like they are stuck in a role they didn't choose and is searching for where they truly belong.
Ages 8–12
Alcatraz vs. the Shattered Lens
Brandon Sanderson
For the child who feels like their quirks or mistakes are burdens, this hilariously meta adventure proves that our great
Ages 8–12
Who Is Jeff Kinney?
Patrick Kinney
For the child who loves drawing or Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this biography shows how rejection and unique ideas lead to mas
Ages 8–12
Don't Trust the Cat
Kristen Tracy
For the child who struggles to find their voice or feels pushed around by friends, this hilarious body-swap adventure ex
Ages 8–12
Young Santa
Dan Greenburg
For the child who loves to ask how things began, this funny origin story reimagines Santa Claus as a young boy discoveri
Ages 7–10
Boy or Beast
Bob Balaban
For the child navigating the social awkwardness of middle school and wishing they could transform into someone, or somet
Ages 8–12
The Friendship Matchmaker
Randa Abdel-Fattah
For the child navigating the complex social hierarchies of middle school or trying to find where they truly belong beyon
Ages 8–12
Lena, the Sea, and Me
Maria Parr
For the child navigating the shift from childhood play to the complicated emotions of being twelve, including friendship
Ages 8–12
Elliot and the Goblin War
Jennifer A. Nielsen
For the child who feels overlooked or ordinary, this high-energy tale proves that even the most unexpected person can le
Ages 8–12
Lights Up the Sky
Seymour Simon
For the curious child who loves to spot mistakes and ask 'why,' these science-themed mysteries turn readers into detecti
Ages 7–11
Happy Kid!
Gail Gauthier
For the middle-schooler navigating social cliques and high parental expectations, this story offers a humorous look at f
Ages 8–12
Ling & Ting: Twice as Silly
Grace Lin
Identical twins Ling and Ting love to be silly, tell jokes, and share laughs. This early reader chapter book follows the
Ages 4–11
True to Your Selfie
Megan McCafferty
For the middle schooler feeling the pressure to curate a perfect online life while navigating changing friendships and t
Ages 8–12
The Importance of Being Gordo
Disney Book Group
For the child balancing new responsibilities and personal identity as they grow up, this story explores friendship and t
Ages 8–12
Lizzie Goes Wild!
Kirsten Larsen
For the child feeling the pressure to fit in or change who they are to seem cool. Lizzie learns that being yourself is b
Ages 8–12
Weird
David Borgenicht, Justin Heimberg
For the child who loves the 'what-if' and the weird, this humorous guide offers tongue-in-cheek survival tips for monste
Ages 8–13
Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Summer Vacation
Tommy Greenwald
For the child who would rather do anything but open a book, this hilarious camp adventure celebrates the cleverness of k
Ages 8–12
The Year of the Buttered Cat
Lexi Haas, Susan Haas
For the child navigating a world not built for them, this humorous mystery finds the power in self-advocacy and the stre
Ages 8–12
Magical Monty
Johanna Hurwitz
For the child navigating the highs and lows of being six, from the pride of a new sibling to the small stumbles of every
Ages 5–8
This Totally Bites!
Ruth Ames
For the middle schooler who feels like the odd one out in their own family, this spooky comedy explores identity through
Ages 8–12
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