Books Like Lily the Thief
Families who loved Lily the Thief by Janne Kukkonen 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 Lily the Thief by Janne Kukkonen often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is struggling with self-doubt or feels like an outsider within their own social group. It is the perfect choice for a middle schooler who feels they have to work twice as hard to prove they are just as capable as their peers. The story follows Lily, a young thief in a secret guild who gets tangled in a high-stakes fantasy adventure involving an ancient curse, a selfish king, and dangerous monsters. While the book features plenty of humor and fast-paced action, it deeply explores themes of resilience and finding one's identity. Parents should note that as a graphic novel, it uses visual storytelling to depict combat and fantasy violence, but it remains grounded in a girl's quest for belonging. It is an empowering choice for children who need to see that their worth is not defined by others' expectations, but by their own bravery and integrity.
