Books Like How to Steal a Car
Families who loved How to Steal a Car by Pete Hautman often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved How to Steal a Car by Pete Hautman 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 teenager seems to be retreating into a shell of silence or acting out in ways that feel out of character during a family crisis. It is a powerful tool for parents of children who feel invisible or powerless during a high conflict divorce, offering a raw look at how one girl tries to reclaim her sense of self through risky behavior. Kenzie is a relatable fourteen year old whose world is splintering as her parents separate. Feeling overlooked, she begins stealing cars, not for profit, but for the temporary rush of control it provides. The story captures the intense loneliness of adolescence and the dangerous allure of secrets. While the subject matter is edgy, it serves as a vital conversation starter about accountability, the weight of hidden mistakes, and the search for identity when your foundation is crumbling. It is most appropriate for mature middle schoolers and high school students who can navigate themes of moral ambiguity.
