Families who loved Eliza Bing is (not) a Big, Fat Quitter by Carmella Van Vleet 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 if your child feels discouraged by their own 'unfinished projects' or if they are navigating the specific frustrations of ADHD. Eliza is an eleven-year-old who is tired of being labeled a quitter by her family and peers. When she is denied a cake decorating class because she never finishes what she starts, she sets out to prove everyone wrong by committing to a summer of taekwondo. This is a realistic and humorous look at the grit required to overcome self-doubt and executive functioning challenges. It is perfect for ages 8 to 12, offering a mirror for neurodivergent kids and a window for parents into the internal emotional labor of 'trying harder.' You might choose this to spark a conversation about how perseverance is a skill that can be practiced, even when it does not come naturally.
