Books Like The Art of Deception
Families who loved The Art of Deception by Wendelin Van Draanen 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 The Art of Deception by Wendelin Van Draanen 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 middle schooler is starting to question the social hierarchies of 'popular' crowds or feels like an outsider for being their authentic, messy self. Sammy Keyes is a relatable protagonist who lives in a cramped apartment with her grandmother and wears high-top sneakers to high-society art galas. This installment of the series focuses on the difference between what people project to the world and who they actually are. It is a perfect choice for parents who want to encourage their children to look beneath the surface, value integrity over status, and develop a healthy sense of skepticism toward 'the way things are supposed to be.' Through the lens of an art-world heist, it addresses the complexities of adult pretension and the importance of staying true to one's own values, even when they clash with the expectations of 'polite' society. The tone is smart, funny, and deeply grounded in the realities of being a twelve-year-old girl navigating both a criminal mystery and the everyday drama of school life.
