Families who loved The House on Dirty-Third Street by Jo S. Kittinger 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 is facing a major transition, such as moving to a new house or adjusting to a change in family finances, and feels overwhelmed by the scale of the change. It is an ideal resource for helping children process the anxiety that comes with 'less than perfect' beginnings and the fear of the unknown. The story follows a young girl and her mother as they move into a dilapidated house that seems beyond repair. Through themes of grit, faith, and the transformative power of a helping hand, the book illustrates that a home is built with love and community rather than just paint and wood. It is a comforting choice for ages 4 to 8, modeling how to find beauty and hope in a messy situation while validating the child's initial feelings of disappointment.
