Families who loved A Sound Like Someone Trying Not to Make a Sound by John Irving often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when the lights go out and your child starts hearing those unidentifiable creaks and thumps that turn a bedroom into a place of mystery. It is a perfect choice for children who struggle with nighttime anxiety or possess an overactive imagination that tends to run wild in the dark. The story follows a young boy named Tom and his father as they investigate a strange, persistent noise, transforming a moment of fear into one of shared curiosity. While the book acknowledges the very real sensation of childhood dread, it uses a gentle, conversational tone to de-escalate those big emotions. It is most appropriate for children ages 4 to 8, providing a safe space to discuss what scares them. Parents will appreciate how it models a patient, supportive father-son relationship, showing that the best way to face a 'monster' is often through logic, humor, and the comfort of a loved one's presence.
