Families who loved The Stinkiest Cheese in Cheesebridge by Emily C. Hughes 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 feels like an outsider or struggles with the pressure to fit into a certain social mold. It is a perfect choice for kids who find joy in the messy, the mechanical, and the unconventional, providing a safe space to explore the idea that being different is actually a superpower. Based on the feature film The Boxtrolls, the story follows Eggs, a human boy raised by quirky, subterranean tinkerers. When an elitist villain threatens his family to climb the social ladder of Cheesebridge, Eggs must team up with a bold new friend to save his home. The book touches on themes of found family, the absurdity of social status, and the importance of looking past appearances. It is a lighthearted yet meaningful way to show children that their worth isn't defined by fancy clothes or 'proper' behavior, but by their kindness and creativity.
