Families who loved The Honest-to-Goodness Truth by Patricia C. McKissack 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 has mastered the concept of telling the truth but has not yet learned the social nuance of tact. It is the perfect tool for the 'brutally honest' phase where a child might hurt feelings by blurting out unnecessary or unkind observations under the guise of being truthful. The story follows Libby, who after being caught in a lie, resolves to tell only the truth. However, she soon finds herself losing friends when she shares embarrassing facts about them without considering their feelings. This gentle, realistic story helps children aged 4 to 9 understand that honesty must be seasoned with kindness. It transforms the abstract concept of 'tact' into a relatable social lesson about empathy and the power of words. Parents will find it an excellent springboard for discussing the difference between being a truth-teller and being a gossip.
