A book like 'It's Kind of a Funny Story' is 'Thirteen Reasons Why'. Both books touch on the inner struggles of teenagers. However, it should be noted that 'Thirteen Reasons Why' has some controversial aspects. Also, 'All the Bright Places' is in a similar vein. It deals with mental illness and the relationship between two young people who are trying to make sense of their lives. And 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a classic that shares some of the coming - of - age and disillusionment themes.
Well, 'Speak' is also a great choice. It focuses on a high school girl who has faced a traumatic event and is trying to find her voice again. Just like in 'It's Kind of a Funny Story', the main character is on a journey of self - acceptance and dealing with internal struggles.
The humor might come from the way the story is told. If it has a lot of vivid descriptions of funny expressions or sounds. Like in a story where a parrot imitates a person's sneeze in a very exaggerated way. It makes the story more engaging and funny.
The unexpected twists usually make it funny. For example, if a character is supposed to be very serious all the time but suddenly does something completely silly like dancing in the rain without any reason. That kind of deviation from the norm can be a great source of humor.
A story can be 'kind of funny' when there is an unexpected twist. For example, if you expect someone to be really good at something but they end up being completely hopeless at it. Like a professional athlete who can't ride a bike.
'James and the Giant Peach' by Roald Dahl can also be considered. It tells the story of a boy who goes on an amazing journey inside a giant peach with some very interesting insect friends. The book is filled with Dahl's signature humor and imaginative scenarios.
The book 'Thirteen Reasons Why' also shares some similarities. While it is more focused on the reasons behind a teen's decision, it still touches on the overall theme of the challenges and struggles that teenagers face, similar to what is presented in 'It's Kind of a Funny Story'.