Families who loved Everyone Else's Parents Said Yes by Paula Danziger 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 is struggling to distinguish between being funny and being hurtful, or if they are facing social consequences for being the class prankster. This story follows eleven-year-old Matthew, whose constant practical jokes on his sister and female classmates finally backfire when the girls declare war on him just before his birthday party. It is an ideal pick for children aged 8 to 11 who are navigating the complex social dynamics of middle grade friendships. Through Matthew's journey, the book explores themes of personal accountability, the weight of an apology, and the realization that humor should never come at someone else's expense. It offers a realistic, humorous, and relatable look at how a child can take responsibility for their actions and rebuild damaged trust without losing their sense of fun.
