If you loved

Books like Jacky Ha-Ha

A fast-paced, funny, and surprisingly tender exploration of using laughter to hide a breaking heart. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Jacky Ha-Ha.

energetic
bittersweet
hopeful

01
I Funny
James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
A rapid-fire, heavily illustrated underdog story that uses stand-up comedy to navigate the messy, often poignant realities of middle school.
Shares:
- energetic
- hopeful
- humorous
- conversational
02
House of Robots
James Patterson
A delightfully chaotic, highly illustrated romp through the mortifying ordeal of middle school with a side of wacky science.
Shares:
- energetic
- humorous
03
Dogs don't tell jokes
Louis Sachar
A funny, tender exploration of what happens when the class clown finally decides to take himself seriously.
Shares:
- bittersweet
- hopeful
- earnest
- the mask of comedy
04
Ms. Coco Is Loco!
Dan Gutman
A high-energy, laugh-out-loud romp through the absurdities of elementary school life, told by a narrator who thinks adults are entirely out of their minds.
Shares:
- energetic
05
Clementine
Sara Pennypacker
A warm, energetic romp through the mind of a fiercely observant child who can't help but find trouble while trying to help.
Shares:
- energetic
- humorous
- earnest
06
The terrible two
Mac Barnett and Jory John
A laugh-out-loud, deadpan celebration of rivalry turning into the ultimate mischievous alliance.
Shares:
- energetic
07
Mrs. Patty Is Batty!
Dan Gutman
A hilarious, fast-paced romp through the rumor-filled, candy-crazed chaos of an elementary school Halloween.
Shares:
- energetic
08
Class Clown
Johanna Hurwitz · 1987
A warm, empathetic glimpse into the bustling world of a third-grade classroom and the earnest heart of a kid who just can't seem to stay out of trouble.
Shares:
- humorous
09
Noisy Nora
Rosemary Wells · 2003
A boisterous, empathetic exploration of feeling overlooked in a busy family.
Feels:
- boisterous
- chaotic
- warm
10
The 12 Screams of Christmas
R. L. Stine
A festive, spooky romp where middle-school theater drama collides with a haunted house.
Shares:
- humorous
11
Ungifted
Gordon Korman
A hilarious, high-energy collision of chaos and intellect that proves there is more than one way to be smart.
Shares:
- humorous
12
Yaqui Delgado Wants To Kick Your Ass
Meg Medina
A tense, deeply empathetic exploration of how the looming threat of high school violence can shrink your world, and what it takes to expand it again.
Shares:
- earnest
- resilient

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