Families who loved The Kidnapping of Suzie Q. by Martin Waddell 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 teenager is beginning to navigate the world independently and needs to explore the concepts of personal safety, mental toughness, and composure under pressure. While the premise of a kidnapping is intense, the story focuses heavily on the psychological state of the protagonist, Suzie, as she maintains her dignity and searches for an opportunity to regain control of her life. This realistic thriller follows Suzie as she is taken by a group of disorganized, amateur thieves. Rather than relying on action-movie tropes, the narrative stays grounded in Suzie's internal monologue and her tactical decision-making. It is an excellent choice for mature middle schoolers or high schoolers who enjoy high-stakes realism and stories about finding inner strength during a crisis.