Families who loved Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff) by Liz Pichon 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 feeling the weight of school expectations or struggling to keep their desk, homework, and life in order. It is a perfect choice for the student who doodles in the margins of their notebook or finds themselves frequently in the 'doghouse' for minor organizational mishaps. Tom Gates is a relatable, well-meaning kid whose life is a constant whirlwind of creative distractions, annoying older sisters, and the perpetual quest to avoid detention. Through its highly visual diary format, the book explores themes of creativity, sibling rivalry, and the stress of trying to meet adult standards of responsibility. It normalizes the feeling of being slightly out of step with the 'perfect' students while celebrating a child's unique voice and artistic talents. The tone is consistently lighthearted and humorous, making it an excellent bridge for reluctant readers or children who need to see that their chaotic energy is both normal and manageable.
