If your child has devoured every Tom Gates book and is craving more, you’re in the right place. The Tom Gates series, with its doodles, humour, and relatable school-life adventures, has captivated young readers. To keep that reading momentum going, here are some fantastic books that offer similar laughs, illustrations, and mischief.
Happy reading!
Recommended Reads After Tom Gates
1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Meet Greg Heffley, a middle-schooler navigating the trials of adolescence. Through his journal, filled with witty observations and doodles, Greg shares his humorous take on school, family, and the infamous “Cheese Touch.”
2. Timmy Failure: The Book You’re Not Supposed to Have by Stephan Pastis
Timmy Failure is back, and he’s facing his biggest challenge yet—being banned from detective work. But that won’t stop him from continuing his (unauthorized) investigations, leading to a series of hilarious misadventures.
3. The Misadventures of Max Crumbly: Locker Hero by Rachel Renée Russell
Max Crumbly dreams of being a superhero, but first, he has to survive middle school. After being stuffed into his locker by a bully, Max’s journey is filled with comic-style illustrations and laugh-out-loud moments.
4. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson
Rafe Khatchadorian decides to break every rule in his school’s code of conduct. His rebellious quest, combined with humorous illustrations, captures the chaos and comedy of middle school life.
5. The Bad Guys: Episodes 1 & 2 by Aaron Blabey
Mr. Wolf and his gang—Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, and Mr. Shark—are tired of being bad. They set out to prove they’re good guys, leading to a series of comedic escapades in this illustrated chapter book.
6. The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
Join Andy and Terry in their incredible treehouse, complete with a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, and a marshmallow machine. Their imaginative adventures are a treat for fans of doodles and creativity.
7. Bunny vs Monkey and the League of Doom! by Jamie Smart
In this comic-style book, Bunny tries to maintain peace in the forest while Monkey and his League of Doom cause chaos. It’s a hilarious battle of good vs. mischief, filled with vibrant illustrations.
8. Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Sharks by Katie & Kevin Tsang
Sam Wu is determined to prove he’s not scared of anything—even sharks. But after a class trip to the aquarium goes awry, Sam must confront his fears in this humorous and heartfelt story about bravery and friendship.
9. Charlie Changes into a Chicken by Sam Copeland
Charlie McGuffin has a unique problem: when he gets anxious, he turns into animals. With a mix of humour and heart, this book explores themes of anxiety, friendship, and self-acceptance, all wrapped up in a wildly entertaining narrative.
10. Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian
Omar’s vivid imagination and knack for attracting mishaps make starting at a new school even more challenging. Between dealing with bullies and navigating family life, Omar’s adventures are both humourous and heartwarming, offering readers a glimpse into his unique world.