Families who loved The Cheat by Amy Goldman Koss 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 struggling with the pressure to fit in or is facing the fallout of a dishonest choice. It is a nuanced look at how one small compromise of integrity can create a massive ripple effect through a group of friends. By following several different perspectives, the story explores why good kids make bad choices and how they navigate the heavy burden of keeping a secret. The story centers on Sarah, who obtains the answers to a geography midterm and shares them with her peers. Rather than a simple tale of right and wrong, the book dives deep into the anxiety, peer pressure, and shifting loyalties that follow. It is an excellent choice for ages 10 to 14, providing a safe space to discuss accountability and the complicated reality that doing the right thing often comes with social costs.