Books Like Petey
Families who loved Petey by Ben Mikaelsen 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 Petey by Ben Mikaelsen 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 beginning to notice social inequities or when they need to develop a deeper sense of empathy for those who navigate the world differently. It is an essential choice for a child who feels like an outsider or who is ready to discuss how society treats its most vulnerable members with dignity and respect. The story follows Petey, a man born with cerebral palsy in 1922 who was misdiagnosed as intellectually disabled and spent decades in an institution. In his later years, he forms a transformative bond with a teenager named Trevor, showing that the human spirit and the need for friendship transcend physical limitations and age. While the early chapters involve some heartbreak regarding Petey's isolation, the overarching message is one of profound resilience and the life-changing power of being seen. It is best suited for readers aged 10 and up due to the historical realism of how people with disabilities were once treated.
