Families who loved Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes by Matt Eicheldinger 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 feeling overwhelmed by their own awkwardness or convinced that they are simply unlucky. It is the perfect remedy for the 'middle school jitters,' especially for kids who feel like they cannot catch a break or are constantly find themselves in embarrassing situations. The story follows Matt Sprouts, a boy who believes he is the victim of a legendary family curse that causes chaos whenever he tries to succeed. Through Matt's hilarious misadventures with sports, school, and social hierarchies, the book addresses deep-seated anxieties about fitting in and the fear of failure. It is highly appropriate for the 8 to 12 age range, offering a lighthearted but validating look at the pre-teen experience. Parents will appreciate how it uses humor to build resilience, teaching children that while we cannot control every 'curse' life throws at us, we can control how we react to the trip-ups along the way.
