Families who loved Horrible Harry and the Stolen Cookie by Suzy Kline 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 you notice your child struggling with the weight of family stress or making impulsive choices to solve 'grown-up' problems. While the Horrible Harry series is known for classroom antics, this installment addresses a deeper emotional reality: the desire to help a struggling family and the shame that comes when that desire leads to a poor decision. It is a gentle but firm exploration of why even 'good' kids sometimes do 'bad' things. Harry considers stealing an item from the school tag sale to help with financial problems at home. The story moves from the initial temptation to the heavy burden of guilt, and finally to the relief of honesty and making amends. It is perfectly paced for 7 to 9 year olds, providing a safe space to discuss integrity, the pressure of expectations, and the fact that one mistake does not define a person's character.
