9 Middle Grade Books That Have a Great Sense of Humor

	Title	Author	Illustrator
1.	Bilal's Brilliant Bee	Michael Rosen	Tony Ross
2.	Better Off Undead	James Preller	N/A
3.	Truly Tan	Jen Storer	Claire Robertson
4.	Our Teacher Is a Vampire and Other (Not) True Stories	Mary Amato	N/A
5.	My Life as a Book	Janet Tashjian	Jake Tashjian
6.	The Rhino in Right Field	Stacy DeKeyser	N/A
7.	Genie Wishes	Elisabeth Dahl	N/A
8.	Revenge of the Flower Girls	Jennifer Ziegler	N/A
9.	The Boy Problem	Kami Kinard	N/A

How to Encourage Kids to Read

A great way to start is to get a bookshelf for your child's room. If they have access to their own collection of books, it'll be easy for them to read at their own pace. And if they're looking at the shelf everyday, reading will always be on their mind. It's also important to give your kids a comfortable place to sit. This can be anything from a rocking chair to a couch to a dedicated reading nook. If they have a space that's just for them, it makes reading time all the more special. As they grow, your young ones will start to read more challenging books with words they don't know. Encourage them to look up unfamiliar terms in the dictionary so they can expand their vocabulary. Finally, if you're having trouble getting your kid interested in books in the first place, try bridging the gap between visual media and literature with graphic novels.

8 Great Funny Movies For Kids

The Lego Movie (2014)
Home Alone (1990)
The Muppets (2011)
The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
Megamind (2010)
The Parent Trap (1998)
Finding Nemo (2003)
The Pink Panther (2006)

Why Do We Laugh?

In Depth

Having a sense of humor is essential to surviving the trials and tribulations of childhood, and no matter what kids are going through, it helps to have a great book at the ready. Here, in no particular order, are nine humorous books that middle grade readers everywhere are sure to love.

In the #1 slot, we find Michael Rosen's "Bilal's Brilliant Bee," illustrated by Tony Ross. Bilal is just no good at test-taking. He can't remember anything and clams up at the sight of a written exam. But when he discovers a new friend, a magic bee who seemingly has all the answers, Bilal spies his chance to make an impact.

For #2 we get Jame's Preller's "Better Off Undead." Middle school isn't easy for anybody, but it's especially difficult for zombies. Adrian already felt like an outcast even before he became undead. Now, in his new, unique position at school, he's even more ostracized than before. But Adrian's new power comes with great responsibility: he might be the only one who can save his school, and the world, from a few evil corporate overlords threatening to take him down.

Middle school isn't easy for anybody, but it's especially difficult for zombies.

At #3 is "Truly Tan" by Jen Storer. Tan is a no-nonsense junior sleuth trying to solve everyday mysteries. After moving to a different school, she has to crack the code of her new surroundings with the help of her older sisters and her truly unique, hilarious sensibility. Tan is a strong female lead, and Claire Robertson's illustrations are a delightful accompaniment to this modern "Harriet the Spy"-style story.

At #4 we have "Our Teacher Is a Vampire" by Mary Amato. Alexander's teacher Mrs. Penrose has a deep, dark secret: she's a vampire. At least, that's what Alex and his classmates think, as they circulate a blank notebook around the classroom to share their thoughts, hopes, and ideas with each other. But when Mrs. Penrose goes on maternity leave and is replaced by a strict substitute, all bets are off. This sweet, funny story revolves around the unique bond between young students and the teachers who shape them.

For #5 we get Janet Tashjian's "My Life As a Book." Derek is so excited that summer is here. He has a whole list of fun pranks to pull off and he can't wait to get started. But his parents throw a wrench into his plans when they announce that he'll be spending the next few months at an educational camp. Will Derek die of boredom, or will he discover that reading and learning can actually be awesome?

He has a whole list of fun pranks to pull off and he can't wait to get started.

Coming in at #6 is "The Rhino in Right Field" by Stacy DeKeyser. Nick just wants to play baseball without having to deal with the disapproval of his parents. Not to mention that rhino who lives near the playing field. Between having to fish fly balls out of Tank the rhino's pen and dealing with his unsupportive family, how will Nick win the batboy competition and achieve his dreams? Only with a bit of help from some friends in unlikely places.

At #7 is Elisabeth Dahl's "Genie Wishes." As the designated class blogger of the 5th grade, Genie Kunkel has her work cut out for her. She's always been great at taking in the world around her, but having the responsibility of writing about the whole class makes her nervous. That is, until she starts to truly find her voice. A heartwarming story about finding one's place in the world, this often hilarious read is sure to keep readers engaged.

#8 is "Revenge of the Flower Girls" by Jennifer Ziegler. The Brewster Triplets are back, and this time, they've got a big job to do. They have to stop their older sister from marrying a guy who's a total drip. How to call off the wedding and reunite their sis with the true love of her life? That's a job that only Dawn, Darby, and Delaney can take on.

That's a job that only Dawn, Darby, and Delaney can take on.

Finally, at #9 is Kami Kinard's "The Boy Problem." Signs are all around us, as long as you know where to look for them. That's what Tabbi Reddy believes, anyway. Picking up cues from star signs, fortune cookie messages, and a whole host of cosmic clues, Tabbi believes she can predict exactly who the right boy for her will be. But will fate end up throwing her for a loop?