Families who loved Grace Builds an Almost-Perfect Dog by Curtis Manley 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 grappling with the realization that life is messy and that perfection does not always lead to happiness. It is an ideal choice for the young engineer who prefers logic and technical solutions to emotional problems, or the child who is pining for a pet but faces logistical or parental hurdles. Grace is a determined protagonist who decides that if she cannot have a real dog, she will build a robot one that follows her code exactly. The story explores the intersection of STEM skills and emotional intelligence. While Grace succeeds in creating a perfectly obedient companion, she eventually discovers that the 'bugs' in a real pet, the unpredictable personality and spontaneous connection, are actually what make a relationship special. It is a gentle, encouraging read for children ages 4 to 8 that balances technical coding concepts with the warmth of a friendship story. Parents will appreciate the way it validates a child's agency while teaching the value of flexibility and letting go of rigid expectations.
