Books like The Terrible Two

If you liked The Terrible Two, read Allergic, Odder, or The Old Willis Place — the closest matches in our database, matched on shared award lists and reading level.

Looking for books like The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett? The 10 titles below are the closest matches in the ReadingList database — each scored on shared themes, shared award lists, genre, and reading level, and each linked to the curricula, states, and grades where it’s assigned, with primary sources.

These are reading-level matches, not just topical ones — so the picks stay grade-appropriate for a grades 3–5 reader. See how we judge text difficulty on our methodology page.

10 books similar to The Terrible Two

Reading the whole similar-books list? Kids who struggle with the print versions often finish the assigned books by listening.

Listen free on Audible30-day trial

New members only · many assigned titles are included with the membership. As an Amazon Associate, ReadingList earns from qualifying purchases and membership trials at no extra cost to you.

Why each is a match

Amazon links below are affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate, ReadingList earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Allergicgrades 4–6
Both on the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award (Louisiana Readers' Choice Awards), Grades 3-5 & Grades 6-8 divisions list (+1 more shared list), overlapping grades (4–6), and the same era (2020s). Amazon →
Oddergrades 3–5
Both on the Nēnē Award (Hawai'i) list (+1 more shared list), overlapping grades (3–5), and the same era (2020s). Amazon →
The Old Willis Placegrades 3–6
Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+2 more shared lists), overlapping grades (3–6), and the same era (2020s). Amazon →
Wait Till Helen Comesgrades 4–7
Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+2 more shared lists), overlapping grades (4–7), and the same era (2020s). Amazon →
11 Birthdaysgrades 3–5
Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+4 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (3–5). Amazon →
Because of Winn-Dixie610L
Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+3 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (3–5). Amazon →
Bud, Not Buddy950L
Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+3 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (4–7). Amazon →
Bunniculagrades 3–6
Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+2 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (3–6). Amazon →
Dear Mr. Henshawgrades 4–6
Both on the Nēnē Award (Hawai'i) list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (4–6). Amazon →
Diary of a Wimpy Kid950L
Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+2 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (3–7). Amazon →

Books like The Terrible Two for elementary readers (grades 3–5)

Closest matches whose grade range overlaps 3–5— same scoring, different audience.

  • El Deafo by Cece Bell · 420L — Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+3 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (4–6).
  • Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine · grades 4–7 — Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (4–7).
  • Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein · grades 4–6 — Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+3 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (4–6).
  • Flush by Carl Hiaasen · grades 3–5 — Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+2 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (3–5).
  • Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix · grades 4–6 — Both on the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award (Louisiana Readers' Choice Awards), Grades 3-5 & Grades 6-8 divisions list (+2 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (4–6).

Books like The Terrible Two for middle school (grades 6–8)

Closest matches whose grade range overlaps 6–8— same scoring, different audience.

  • El Deafo by Cece Bell · 420L — Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+3 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (4–6).
  • Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine · grades 4–7 — Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (4–7).
  • Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein · grades 4–6 — Both on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher / Vermont Golden Dome Book Award list (+3 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (4–6).
  • Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix · grades 4–6 — Both on the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award (Louisiana Readers' Choice Awards), Grades 3-5 & Grades 6-8 divisions list (+2 more shared lists) and overlapping grades (4–6).
  • Fudge-a-Mania by Judy Blume · grades 3–6 — Both on the Nēnē Award (Hawai'i) list (+1 more shared list) and overlapping grades (3–6).

Book data last updated 2026-07-07. Matches are computed from each book’s cited attributes — see the methodology.

← Back to The Terrible Two