Families who loved They Didn't Teach THIS in Worm School! by Simone Lia 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 self-acceptance. It is a perfect choice for the kid who feels like a 'chicken in a flamingo world,' needing a reminder that being different is not a flaw. The story follows Marcus the worm and Laurence the chicken on a hilarious, high-stakes journey from a backyard to the imagined plains of Africa. While the plot is absurd and fast-paced, the heart of the book lies in how these two misfits navigate their identities. It is an ideal bridge for early chapter book readers, using humor to normalize the feeling of not quite fitting in. Parents will appreciate how it models a friendship built on patience, creative problem-solving, and seeing the best in someone even when they are a bit deluded. It is gentle, funny, and deeply affirming for ages 7 to 10.
