Books Like Top of the Class (Nearly)
Families who loved Top of the Class (Nearly) 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.
Families who loved Top of the Class (Nearly) 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 feels like their brain moves faster than their pen, or when they are struggling to find their place within the rigid structures of school life. It is the perfect choice for a student who identifies more as a creative doodler than a straight-A student, offering a comforting reminder that intelligence and success come in many different forms. Through the chaotic and hilarious diary of Tom Gates, the story explores the pressures of sibling rivalry, the awkwardness of teacher interactions, and the desire to be noticed for your talents. At its heart, this is a celebration of the creative spirit. Tom deals with the classic middle-grade hurdles: avoiding the class bully, navigating a grumpy sister, and trying to get elected to the school council despite being spectacularly unorganized. The heavily illustrated format is ideal for reluctant readers or children with ADHD who benefit from visual stimulation alongside text. It normalizes the feeling of being 'nearly' at the top, validating the effort rather than just the outcome, and provides a joyful, low-stress reading experience for children ages 8 to 12.
