Books Like Trouble in the Barkers' Class
Families who loved Trouble in the Barkers' Class by Tomie dePaola 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 Trouble in the Barkers' Class by Tomie dePaola 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 comes home confused or hurt by a classmate who is acting like a bully. It is a perfect tool for children who are ready to move beyond just labeling someone as mean and are beginning to understand that difficult behaviors often hide deeper feelings like loneliness or fear. The story follows the Barker twins as they navigate the arrival of Carole Anne, a new student who disrupts the classroom with bossy and unkind behavior. Tomie dePaola uses his signature gentle style to show that while ignoring a bully or standing up to them are common tactics, empathy can be a powerful problem-solving tool. This book is ideal for children aged 4 to 8 who are navigating early school social dynamics. It normalizes the frustration of dealing with a difficult peer while providing a hopeful, actionable model for building bridges and finding common ground through simple acts of kindness.
