Looking for an unforgettable collection of funny YA books that will crack you up? As an award-winning author and veteran blogger, I’ve spent over a decade reading, analyzing, and recommending the most humorous teen novels with relatable characters, engaging stories, and clever dialog to tickle your funny bone.
You’ll find more than a dozen reviews of my favorite novels in the roundup below. I’ve personally curated this collection from my own bookshelves. You’ll find satire, parody, witty banter, and situational humor that will make you LOL.
Coywood Creek by Khristina Chess
“Kent packed a flashlight and extra batteries. I packed an iPad and a troll doll.” ― Khristina Chess, quote from Coywood Creek
Don’t miss the sassiest apocalypse survivor since Katniss Everdeen. If you’re looking for more funny young adult books with witty banter and situational humor, this story will wreck you—in the best way possible!
At first, Zoey brushes off the blackout, the dead cell service, and the eerie northern lights in the southern sky. But as reality sets in, she knows one thing: she can’t stay in her parents’ condo alone with no power. So she packs her snacks and sets out for Coywood Creek with Kent, a teenage boy living in her building, hoping to find safety with her uncle and grandmother.
Zoey and Kent quickly realize this isn’t an ordinary power outage. After a harrowing journey, they arrive at Coywood Creek, a sanctuary with plenty of food, fresh water, and the natural protection of cliffs.
But it’s not safe here.
For readers drawn to the slow unraveling of society in dystopian fiction, Coywood Creek delivers a comical story about the end of the world. What made this novel so engrossing for me was Zoey’s sharp, relatable, and often humorous response to navigating the collapse of civilization with her signature sarcasm (and a bag of OREO cookies). Her delicious banter with Kent made me laugh out loud, even as the novel’s deeper themes—resilience, uncertainty, and survival—kept me hooked.
But more than anything, Coywood Creek forces readers to ask: How fragile are we without our technology?
Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
“We used to be pretty good friends, but fourteen-year-old girls are psychotic.” ― Jesse Andrews, quote from Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
I loved this book. It was so comical, which is an odd thing to say about a book about a girl dying from cancer. But it’s true. It’s sad humor in the face of tragedy.
Greg and Earl are weird, unlikely friends and amateur filmmakers who manage to fly below the radar at school and enjoy their private world. Then Greg’s mom makes him reach out to Rachel, a childhood friend who has been diagnosed with leukemia and needs a friend.
Earl turns out to be the more compassionate of the pair, and the two of them set out to make a movie about Rachel. Their brilliant idea fails in execution and is The Worst Film Ever Made.
This wonderful novel is full of crude humor, heart, honesty, dark comedy, and surprises as Greg learns things about his long-time friend Earl, as well as himself, though this journey with the dying girl, Rachel. If you’re looking for funny YA books, Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl is definitely a title to add to your reading list.
The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson
“We might as well make some trouble together.” ― Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson, quote from The Agathas
I absolutely love Kathleen Glasgow and all her books. The Agathas is a fantastic parody, and I could not guess who the killer was until the very end. I enjoyed the growing friendship between Alice and Iris, as well as the secondary cast of sidekick characters they brought onto the case. “Fun” is the adjective other reviewers have frequently used for The Agathas, and I can agree with that. Plucky Alice and sensitive Iris make a fun pair of amateur sleuths.
I felt the book fulfilled its mission in its mystery genre, and if the characters and writing weren’t as lovely as Glasgow’s other books, that’s more of a byproduct of the category. Also, it’s a collaboration and my first glimpse into anything by Liz Lawson.
If you’re looking for funny young adult books that are also mysteries, you should definitely add The Agathas to your TBR pile. In fact, Kathleen Glasgow is such a great author that she’s on my list of Best YA Authors to Binge on Kindle Unlimited because she’s all-around amazing!
It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
“Tentacles is my term—the Tentacles are the evil tasks that invade my life. Like, for example, my American History class last week, which necessitated me writing a paper on the weapons of the Revolutionary War, which necessitated me traveling to the Metropolitan museum to check out some of the old guns, which necessitated me getting in the subway, which necessitated me being away from my cell phone and e-mail for 45 minutes, which meant that I didn’t get to respond to a mass mail sent out by my teacher asking who needed extra credit, which meant other kids snapped up the extra credit, which meant I wasn’t going to get a 98 in the class, which meant I wasn’t anywhere close to a 98.6 average (body temperature, that’s what you needed to get), which meant I wasn’t going to get into a Good College, which meant I wasn’t going to have a Good Job, which meant I wasn’t going to have health insurance, which meant I’d have to pay tremendous amounts of money for the shrinks and drugs my brain needed, which meant I wasn’t going to have enough money to pay for a Good Lifestyle, which meant I’d feel ashamed, which meant I’d get depressed, and that was the big one because I knew what that did to me: it made it so I wouldn’t get out of bed, which led to the ultimate thing—homelessness.” ― Ned Vizzini, quote from It’s Kind of a Funny Story
That is the utterly unique voice of the narrator in this novel, Craig Gilner, who has ambitious goals for his life but who also suffers from anxiety and depression. He’s trying. Really. But things like The Tentacles get in the way.
I loved the dark humor and satire in book! It’s a must-read for anyone interested in funny ya books. I mean, the title It’s Kind of a Funny story tells it all, right?
Buy it. Read it. Ned Vizzini’s writing is masterful. It’s so incredibly sad that the author died from an apparent suicide.
Mosquitoland by David Arnold
“I call it Mim’s Theorem of Monkey See Monkey Don’t, and what it boils down to is this: it is my belief that there are some people whose sole purpose of existence is to show the rest of us how not to act.” ― David Arnold, quote from Mosquitoland
I loved this funny young adult book! One of its best qualities is the lyrical and often lough out loud funny voice of the narrator.
Mosquitoland is the story is about a girl named Mim Malone, whose parents have divorced. She’s living with her dad, who has custody of Mim and has remarried, but Mim runs away and rides a bus to Ohio to return to her mom.
This is a long journey where Mim (a young girl on her own) encounters a cast of diverse characters, dangers, and adventures. If you’re looking for hilarious novels that will crack you up, this fun coming of age novel belongs in your TBR pile.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
“We all have to find our own ways to say good-bye.” ― Sherman Alexie, quote from The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Junior Spirit’s story is funny, heartbreaking, inspiring, and brave. I loved his quirky voice, and I cheered so hard for him in his basketball game.
This coming-of-age novel highlights the contrast between extreme poverty and wealth, as well as racial differences. These themes are handled with humor and sensitivity.
I felt that the writing in this book is absolutely delightful. The witty narration and absurd cartoon illustrations make this of the best funny YA books for guys. It often makes banned book lists because of the profanity, but it will make you laugh out loud—so you should avoid reading it in quiet places like libraries.
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
“I just can’t believe that life would give us to each other,” he said, “and then take it back.”
“I can,” she said. “Life’s a bastard.” ― Rainbow Rowell, quote from Eleanor and Park
It's been a long time since I've encountered a novel that I literally couldn't put down. Eleanor & Park was one of those books. I loved every minute. I sat on the porch, on the couch, on the floor by the window... and devoured this book. I giggled. I sighed. It was a wonderful reading experience about first love. Sweet and heartbreaking and everything I wanted. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, humorous, romantic young love story.
The story unfolds from alternating points of view, both Eleanor and Park, as they fall in love over the course of one year. The dialog is witty, snappy, and fun. As a super-dreamy YA book about dating, intimacy, and sex, it will give you all the feels about falling in love for the first time with those awkward first telephone conversations.
Don’t miss this funny young adult book that will crack you up and make you laugh out loud at times. I did.
The Future Unborn by Khristina Chess
“There is no place for the word twerking anywhere on your college application. Ever.” ― Khristina Chess, quote from The Future Unborn
What if helping someone you love means giving up all of your dreams?
Ignore the cover. Trust the story. The Future Unborn is an unexpected novel that balances smart girls in STEM, sarcastic humor with witty observations, and romance in a short, time-boxed narrative that keeps the pages turning.
Kansas Jones has it all: class president, varsity swim team, straight-A student, and a future at MIT.
Then one misstep results in an unplanned pregnancy—threatening all her hopes and dreams.
Kansas thinks twelve weeks is plenty of time to act, but with finals, college applications, and the R2-RoboCon competition piling up, the clock is ticking faster than she ever imagined.
When a family tragedy shifts her perspective, she finds herself facing a tough choice that no blueprint can solve.
For me, what made The Future Unborn so special was the blend of lighthearted banter, robotics team collaboration, a sweet love story, and a gut-wrenching decision that was as hopeful as it was heartbreaking. I loved that despite the heavy topics, the story offered a blend of lighthearted banter and a sweet romance with Kansas’ nerdy teammate.
If you love entertaining fiction that makes you laugh and want to read more funny ya books, be sure to pick up this offbeat novel.
Here are some other comical quotes from her books: https://quotefancy.com/khristina-chess-quotes
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
“I want to say yes, but I don't want to be with a boy whose heart belongs to somebody else. Just once, I want to be somebody else's first choice.” ― Jenny Han, quote from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Lara Jean is a super sweet adorable character, and even though the story seems like a common love triangle, there are enough twists to keep the pages turning. Plus, Lara Jean herself is such a star. She’s naive and on her own for the first time, and she’s making all kinds of mistakes. She’s basically a train wreck. I love her immensely. The story has plenty of comic misunderstandings and awkward humor. Two plot points surprised me, and I thought I had those wrapped up early on.
I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did, but I finished it in two sittings. Now I see why everyone’s been reading it! :-)
If you’re the last person on the planet to miss this one, you must read this cute & funny YA book about teen dating.
BONUS: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
“Because while stupid people may not know they’re stupid because they’re stupid, surely unattractive people must know they’re unattractive because of mirrors.” ― Bonnie Garmus, quote from Lessons in Chemistry
Lessons in Chemistry is one of the funniest books I've read in a while. It made me laugh out loud on many occasions. Elizabeth Zott has a direct and no nonsense practicality about her that is so lovable. Her talking dog, Six Thirty, makes a delightful sidekick. That she teaches him almost 1,000 words (and the author gives him a point of view) is beyond wonderful.
Elizabeth's struggles for equality in a male-dominated world were poignant and emotional. She demonstrated great restraint and composure when it wasn't deserved. I felt grateful to women of her generation for the opportunities I enjoy today in the technology workplace.
Although Elizabeth Zott is an adult (and not a young adult either), her story is an inspiring, page-turning, and funny book about women in technology and the challenges faced historically to make progress in this area. I highly recommend it to women of all ages.
BONUS: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
“Everyone likes tall, broody, sullen hunks with genius IQs.” ― Ali Hazelwood, quote from The Love Hypothesis
Eleven stars! I laughed out loud, so many times, reading this STEM romance book. (In fact, I’ve read it twice.) The voice of the main character, Olive Smith, was so much fun. The absurd situations that she finds herself in during her fake-dating relationship are hilarious.
I loved Adam, too, and how he was bemused by the situation and played along with all the shenanigans.
In the end, there is real depth here. Olive faces serious professional issues in the academic workplace, including sexual harassment. Adam is articulate and direct about what it means to be a good professional mentor and why he strives to do so.
If you’re looking for comedy books with smart, witty women protagonists, you will love this one. I promise! Ali Hazelwood inspires women in the technology field. One warning: this is an adult romance with one graphic sexual encounter.
Other Funny YA Books That Will Crack You Up
If you are looking for some other Funny YA books that will crack you up, check out the YA Humor Books list on Goodreads.
You might also be interested in my post Other Good Reads, which has a comprehensive list of reviews of YA books.
About the Author: Khristina Chess
Khristina Chess is an award-winning author of more than a dozen young adult novels, including The Cutting Edge of Friendship, The Delinquent Hero, and Junior Missing. Her novel about eating disorders, Hollow Beauty, was named a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She tackles tough teen topics and writes binge-worthy books across multiple genres, including contemporary, thriller, mystery, dystopian, and adventure.
