Chris Grabenstein is a favorite for many readers. His books are middle grade mysteries that are just plain fun. If you enjoy stories like his, and want to find authors who create books with a similar feel, you are in luck.
Grabenstein wrote “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library,” a book packed with puzzles and humor. Many other authors write stories that also have these kinds of exciting and funny elements for middle school readers.
Gordon Korman is an author known for his funny, adventurous stories that appeal to both kids and adults. Fans of Chris Grabenstein will enjoy Korman’s engaging style and playful plots.
In “Restart,” Korman introduces us to Chase Ambrose, a notorious school bully who wakes up after an accident with no idea who he is or what he’s done.
As Chase returns to school, the forgotten memories lead him to question who he wants to be, creating awkward alliances and humorous trials along the way.
The book combines humor, mystery, and relatable themes about second chances and friendship, making it an enjoyable read for those who appreciate witty storytelling and memorable characters.
Books by Stuart Gibbs offer fast-paced adventures full of humor, puzzles, and intriguing mysteries that fans of Chris Grabenstein will thoroughly enjoy. In “Spy School,” Ben Ripley is a regular middle-schooler who dreams of becoming a spy.
Suddenly recruited into the CIA’s elite academy for spies-in-training, Ben quickly realizes that espionage is not as glamorous as movies portray.
Yet amidst sabotaged classes, suspicious classmates, and surprising twists, Ben must uncover and stop a dangerous double agent hidden within the school. Stuart Gibbs crafts a story that effortlessly blends suspense, laughter, and engaging characters into an enjoyable read.
Readers who enjoy Chris Grabenstein’s humor and engaging mysteries will likely appreciate James Ponti’s clever storytelling. Ponti writes exciting and humorous novels for middle-grade readers, filled with puzzles, adventure, and memorable characters.
In his book “Framed!,” Florian Bates, a witty and observant kid, teams up with his best friend Margaret to solve an art theft at the National Gallery. Florian uses his special technique, T.O.A.S.T. (Theory of All Small Things), to find clues that adults overlook.
The story moves quickly, offering twists, humor, and plenty of suspenseful moments.
Carl Hiaasen writes quirky mysteries filled with humor, adventure, and unexpected characters. If you enjoy Chris Grabenstein’s lively storylines, Hiaasen might be exactly what you’re looking for.
One of his popular books, “Hoot,” features a boy named Roy who moves to Florida and stumbles upon an intriguing mystery: tiny owls threatened by a pancake restaurant’s construction.
Roy teams up with a couple of unforgettable new friends to protect the owls, launching a hilarious and heartfelt mission against corporate greed. Hiaasen’s engaging blend of humor, suspense, and environmental themes makes for a fun and thoughtful read.
Dave Barry is a humorist known for sharp wit, fast-paced comedic style, and relatable stories. In his book “The Worst Class Trip Ever,” eighth-grader Wyatt and his friends set off on a school trip to Washington, D.C.
Things start to go hilariously wrong when they suspect two mysterious passengers on their plane are plotting an attack on the nation’s capital.
The kids’ attempts to avert disaster plunge them into one humorous mishap after another, filled with misunderstandings, unlikely heroes, and comic relief.
Fans of Chris Grabenstein’s playful storytelling, witty characters, and action-filled plots might find Dave Barry’s style equally enjoyable and entertaining.
Jeff Kinney is the creator behind the incredibly popular “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series. If you enjoy Chris Grabenstein’s funny, clever, and imaginative childhood adventures, Jeff Kinney’s books offer a similar style.
His characters get into hilarious situations that feel familiar and authentic. In “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,” middle-schooler Greg Heffley tries hard to survive life with his older brother Rodrick.
Their rivalry often leads to laugh-out-loud disasters, awkward moments at school, and relatable sibling misadventures. Jeff Kinney’s witty, relaxed storytelling and amusing illustrations easily bring Greg’s daily troubles to life.
Matthew Landis is an author who brings history alive through stories full of humor and unexpected adventure. His book “League of American Traitors” follows Jasper Mansfield, a teen who discovers he’s descended from America’s most notorious traitor, Benedict Arnold.
Jasper’s life gets turned upside down when he realizes there’s a modern-day conspiracy related to this legacy, complete with secret societies and dangerous rivalries.
The story cleverly combines historical secrets with plenty of action and lightheartedness, reminiscent of Chris Grabenstein’s style. If you enjoy mysteries with fun characters and hidden history, Matthew Landis is an author worth checking out.
Adam Rex is an author and illustrator known for creating funny, imaginative stories with quirky characters kids love. If you’re into Chris Grabenstein’s playful storytelling, you’ll want to check out Rex’s book “The True Meaning of Smekday.”
In this fast-paced adventure, eleven-year-old Gratuity “Tip” Tucci sets out on a cross-country road trip with a hilarious alien named J.Lo after Earth has been invaded.
Between the alien mix-ups, crazy inventions, and unexpected friendships, you’ll find a crazy fun ride that blends humor and heart.
Readers who enjoy Chris Grabenstein’s playful mysteries will appreciate Blue Balliett’s blend of art, puzzles, and adventure. In “Chasing Vermeer,” Balliett introduces us to Calder and Petra, two sixth graders who become unlikely sleuths.
After a famous painting mysteriously disappears, these two friends notice odd coincidences emerging around them. Soon, Calder and Petra realize the mystery involves hidden clues woven through everyday events and objects.
Balliett invites readers to solve puzzles alongside her characters, adding a clever interactive twist. Those who enjoy playful mysteries set in realistic, relatable worlds filled with hidden codes and riddles will find “Chasing Vermeer” an engaging read.
Lynda Mullaly Hunt is an author known for heartfelt books that speak directly to middle-grade readers. Her popular novel “Fish in a Tree” centers on Ally, a sixth grader who has cleverly disguised her reading struggles for years through clever distractions.
When a new teacher, Mr. Daniels, notices Ally’s hidden potential behind her trouble with letters, he helps her uncover her true talents and confidence.
Readers who enjoy Chris Grabenstein’s engaging characters and thoughtful storytelling will connect easily with Hunt’s emotional and hopeful narratives. Her authentic voice and memorable characters create stories readers will remember long after finishing the book.
Wendelin Van Draanen is a talented author known for mixing humor, suspense, and relatable characters in her books for young readers. If you enjoy stories by Chris Grabenstein, Van Draanen’s “Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief” will likely catch your attention.
This fast-paced mystery introduces Sammy Keyes, a smart and adventurous seventh-grader who accidentally witnesses a robbery through binoculars. She becomes determined to uncover the thief’s identity while avoiding trouble herself.
Sammy navigates middle-school drama, nosy neighbors, and shady characters, trying to solve the case before the thief realizes someone saw him commit the crime. Van Draanen’s storytelling keeps readers guessing until the very end, with plenty of humor and twists along the way.
Andrew Clements is an author known for creating smart and entertaining stories centered around school life and friendships. If you enjoy Chris Grabenstein’s lively style and school-based adventures, you should check out Clements’ book “Frindle.”
This humorous tale centers on fifth-grader Nick Allen, whose playful imagination sparks a friendly rebellion against his strict language arts teacher.
After using the word “frindle” instead of “pen,” Nick’s clever idea quickly captures the attention of his classmates, causing amusing chaos throughout the entire school.
The story explores creativity, persistence, and everyday courage, with characters who could be real kids from your own school.
Kate Messner is an author whose books blend humor, mystery, and relatable characters into adventures for young readers. If you’re a fan of Chris Grabenstein’s lively style, Messner’s “Capture the Flag” could be a fantastic next read.
In this book, three kids stranded at an airport during a snowstorm come across a surprising mystery: someone has stolen the original Star-Spangled Banner flag.
With quick wits and some humorous mishaps, the young sleuths begin piecing together clues, soon discovering that the culprit might still be close by.
Messner keeps the story moving swiftly with playful dialogue and engaging action scenes that readers who enjoy Grabenstein’s energetic plots will likely appreciate.
Readers who enjoy Chris Grabenstein’s lively style and quirky characters may appreciate Louis Sachar. Sachar creates imaginative stories filled with humor and engaging plots.
In his book “Holes,” readers meet Stanley Yelnats, an unlucky kid sent wrongly to a juvenile detention center called Camp Green Lake, where kids must dig a hole every day in the blazing heat.
Stanley soon figures out the holes are not for rehabilitation; they’re part of a mystery dating back generations. The novel blends adventure, humor, friendship, and intriguing secrets, making it the kind of story that’s hard to put down.
Readers who enjoy Chris Grabenstein’s mix of humor, adventure, and intriguing mysteries will likely find Pseudonymous Bosch equally engaging.
Bosch’s book “The Name of This Book Is Secret” introduces readers to two clever kids, Cass and Max-Ernest, who stumble upon a mysterious box filled with vials known as the Symphony of Smells.
After this discovery, the duo becomes entangled in a secretive plot involving a group obsessed with immortality and the dangerous pursuit of hidden knowledge.
The storytelling style features witty remarks, puzzling riddles, and playful footnotes, creating a reading experience full of suspense and entertainment. Bosch’s unique humor and imaginative storytelling offer readers an enjoyable blend of mystery and playful fun.