If you enjoy reading books by Chris Grabenstein then you might also like the following authors:
Gordon Korman is an author known for creating fun, clever stories that pull readers in right away. One of his books, “Masterminds,” is about a group of kids who grow up in a small, perfect town.
When one of them tries to leave, he discovers a secret so big it flips his whole world. The story mixes mystery and action, as the kids begin to question everything about their lives and uncover something that’s been hidden from them all along.
Fans of Chris Grabenstein’s twists and humor would probably enjoy the energy and surprises in Korman’s writing.
Stuart Gibbs writes fun, fast-paced mysteries packed with adventure and humor. His book “Spy School” is about a regular seventh grader named Ben Ripley who finds himself suddenly recruited into a secret CIA espionage academy.
Ben isn’t exactly super-spy material—he’s better at math than martial arts—but his quick thinking lands him in the middle of an undercover mission. The story is filled with some chaos, close calls, and surprising twists that keep the plot moving.
Fans of Chris Grabenstein’s upbeat and clever style will likely enjoy the mix of action and comedy in Gibbs’s work.
James Ponti is an author known for writing fun, engaging mystery stories for young readers.
One of his books, “Framed!,” follows twelve-year-old Florian Bates, who uses a problem-solving method he calls TOAST (Theory of All Small Things) to analyze tiny details most people overlook.
Florian, along with his new friend Margaret, gets pulled into the world of the FBI to solve an art theft at the National Gallery. The story is full of clever twists and humorous moments, with two kids using their brains to outsmart grown-up criminals.
Fans of Chris Grabenstein’s books will likely enjoy this mix of mystery, friendship, and adventure.
Carl Hiaasen is known for writing funny, fast-paced stories full of quirky characters and wild situations.
One of his books, “Hoot,” follows a boy named Roy who moves to Florida and stumbles upon a strange mystery involving burrowing owls, a pancake house, and a group of kids determined to save the owls’ habitat.
The story’s mix of humor and environmental themes weaves together in a way that keeps you guessing what crazy thing will happen next. If you enjoy books with heart, funny twists, and a touch of mischief, Hiaasen might be a new favorite.
Dave Barry writes humor that’s sharp, quirky, and full of heart. In his book “Insane City,” he tells the story of Seth, a groom-to-be who heads to Miami for his wedding. Nothing goes as planned.
A lost suitcase, a group of oddball characters, and a Haitian refugee needing help all collide in chaotic and hilarious ways. Barry’s characters are lovable and unpredictable, and the story keeps you wondering what could possibly go wrong next.
Jeff Kinney is the author of the popular “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series. His books are written as if they’re the personal journals of Greg Heffley, a middle schooler navigating the ups and downs of growing up.
In the first book, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” Greg tries to boost his popularity at school, deal with a frustrating older brother, and balance a rocky friendship with his best friend, Rowley.
The story is packed with funny mishaps, awkward moments, and the kind of antics that make middle school such a strange and memorable time. The handwritten font and drawings in the book add a fun touch, making it feel like you’re reading Greg’s actual diary.
Fans of Chris Grabenstein’s humor and kid-centered adventures might enjoy stepping into Greg’s world.
Matthew Landis writes stories that balance humor and heart, often featuring young characters dealing with relatable challenges.
His book, “The Not-So-Boring Letters of Private Nobody,” follows a seventh-grader named Oliver, who loves all things history but doesn’t love group projects. He gets paired with an energetic classmate and another kid who couldn’t care less about schoolwork.
Together, they investigate the life of a forgotten Civil War soldier for a history assignment, uncovering surprises that change how they see themselves and each other. Landis has a knack for blending real-life struggles with moments that make you smile.
Adam Rex writes fun, quirky stories filled with humor and heart. One of his books, “The True Meaning of Smekday,” tells the story of a young girl named Gratuity “Tip” Tucci.
When Earth is invaded by a group of aliens called the Boov, Tip ends up on a road trip with an outcast Boov named J.Lo in a flying car. Their journey is filled with wild adventures, strange encounters, and unexpected friendship.
If you enjoy stories full of clever twists and characters thrown into chaotic but entertaining situations, this one is worth picking up.
Blue Balliett writes mystery stories for young readers that often blend art, history, and puzzles. One of her most popular books, “Chasing Vermeer,” follows two kids, Petra and Calder, as they try to solve the theft of a painting by Johannes Vermeer.
The story weaves clues into the narrative, including hidden messages in illustrations and ideas about how we see the world. The book doesn’t follow a formula, which makes its twists feel surprising.
Readers who enjoy Chris Grabenstein’s knack for involving kids in creative problem-solving might find Balliett’s stories equally clever.
Lynda Mullaly Hunt writes heartfelt stories about kids figuring out where they fit in the world. Her book, “Fish in a Tree,” tells the story of Ally, a girl who has always felt different because of her struggles with reading.
She tries to hide it by acting out in school, but everything changes when a new teacher starts to understand her. As she opens up, Ally discovers her own strengths and finds support from unexpected places.
It’s a story about friendship, believing in yourself, and seeing things in new ways. Fans of Chris Grabenstein’s books might enjoy how Hunt captures real challenges with warmth and hope.
Wendelin Van Draanen writes stories that feel alive and full of heart. One of her standout books is “The Running Dream.” It follows Jessica, a high school track star who loses her leg in an accident.
As she works through her heartbreak and starts to rebuild her life, she forms an unexpected bond with a girl at school who has cerebral palsy. The story explores perseverance and connection, painting a vivid picture of Jessica’s journey to reclaim her passion for running.
If you like character-driven tales with depth and emotion, this could be a book to check out.
Andrew Clements is an author known for his stories about school life and the challenges kids face. One of his well-loved books, “Frindle,” follows a boy named Nick who decides to make up a new word. Instead of calling a pen a pen, he starts calling it a “frindle.”
His idea causes a stir that spreads through his school and town, bringing surprises and some trouble along the way. Clements explores how a simple idea can grow into something bigger than expected, with a lot of humor and heart.
Kate Messner is a writer who knows how to create stories that spark curiosity and adventure. If you enjoy Chris Grabenstein’s works, you might want to check out her book “Capture the Flag.”
This story kicks off with a thrilling mystery when the original flag that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner disappears from a museum during a snowstorm. Three kids—each with their own quirks and talents—team up to figure out who stole it.
The chase leads them through a snowed-in airport and uncovers a larger conspiracy. It’s fast-paced and full of clever twists, perfect for readers who enjoy puzzle-filled adventures.
Louis Sachar is a writer known for creating quirky stories with memorable characters and unexpected twists. One of his most popular books, “Holes,” is about Stanley Yelnats, a boy sent to a camp where kids dig giant holes in the desert as “character building” punishment.
As Stanley digs, he finds out there’s a mystery tied to his family’s bad luck, an old outlaw’s treasure, and a curse. The story weaves these pieces together in an exciting way that makes it hard to put the book down.
Fans of Chris Grabenstein, who enjoy unique adventures with layers of humor and mystery, might find Sachar’s writing a great match.
Pseudonymous Bosch writes fun and mysterious stories filled with puzzles and secret codes. One of his books, “The Name of This Book Is Secret,” follows two kids, Cass and Max-Ernest, as they stumble upon a strange box called the Symphony of Smells.
This leads them into a dangerous investigation surrounding a missing magician and a society obsessed with immortality. The story is packed with quirky humor and surprising twists that keep you hooked all the way through.
If you enjoy clever mysteries with unexpected turns, this might be a great pick for you.