Families who loved My Dad Is Definitely Not a Crime Lord by Ben Davis 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 struggling with a secret, a major move, or the feeling that their family's past is a burden they must hide. It is an ideal choice for pre-teens navigating the complicated transition between childhood play and real-world responsibilities, especially when they feel caught between different versions of themselves. The story follows Damian, who must restart his life in witness protection after his father leaves his criminal past behind. Now living in a gritty council estate under a new name, Damian meets a boy obsessed with being a superhero. Through their humorous and high-stakes adventures, the book explores toxic masculinity, the weight of family legacy, and the true meaning of bravery. It is a heartfelt, funny, and deeply relatable look at finding your own identity when your world has been turned upside down.
