Families who loved Biscuits, Bands and Very Big Plans by Liz Pichon 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 your child feels overwhelmed by the pressures of school or social expectations and needs to see that being perfectly imperfect is okay. It is an ideal choice for kids who struggle with traditional text-heavy novels or those who express themselves through drawing and humor. The story follows Tom as he navigates the hilarious chaos of managing his band, dealing with an annoying older sister, and obsessing over snacks and doodles. Through its diary format, the book validates the everyday anxieties of middle schoolers, from sibling rivalry to the desire for creative success. It celebrates the power of persistence and teamwork without being preachy. Parents will appreciate how it encourages reading for pleasure in a low-stress format that normalizes the messy but joyful reality of growing up, making it a perfect tool for building reading confidence and emotional resilience.
