Books Like The Big House
Families who loved The Big House by Carolyn Coman 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 Big House by Carolyn Coman often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Parents should reach for this book when their child is wrestling with a sense of systemic unfairness or experiencing the confusing absence of a caregiver. While the premise of parents being wrongfully imprisoned sounds heavy, the story is told through a surreal, almost Roald Dahl-esque lens. Ivy and Ray find themselves living in the Big House with the very people who accused their parents: the eccentric and villainous Mr. and Mrs. Guff. It is a quirky mystery that focuses on sibling agency and the power of persistence. Through sharp wit and clever investigation, the siblings prove that even in a world where adults make mistakes, children can find a way to take action. It is an excellent choice for 8 to 12-year-olds who enjoy dark humor and underdog stories, providing a safe space to explore themes of justice and family loyalty without being overly didactic.
