If you loved

Books like Lunch money

A clever, energetic exploration of schoolyard economics and the unexpected joy of turning your biggest rival into your best collaborator. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Lunch money.

bustling
energetic
optimistic
lighthearted

01
The Landry News
Andrew Clements
A thoughtful, empowering exploration of the weight of words and the courage it takes to speak the truth in a fifth-grade classroom.
Shares:
- earnest
02
Frindle
Andrew Clements
A playful battle of wits in a fifth-grade classroom spirals into an unstoppable linguistic phenomenon.
Shares:
- energetic
- lighthearted
- clever
03
The Lemonade War
Davies, Jacqueline
A sun-drenched, fast-paced exploration of sibling rivalry that perfectly captures the sticky, high-stakes energy of a childhood summer.
Shares:
- energetic
- clever
- earnest
04
Sixth Grade Secrets
Louis Sachar
A funny, fast-paced dive into the chaotic social ecosystem of middle school, where secret clubs and prank wars test the limits of friendship.
Shares:
- energetic
- humorous
05
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Jeff Kinney
A hilarious, highly visual survival guide to the everyday humiliations of middle school.
Shares:
- energetic
- lighthearted
- humorous
06
New Kid
Jerry Craft
A warm, funny, and sharply observant graphic novel about the awkward, everyday tightrope walk of middle school and code-switching.
Shares:
- earnest
- observant
- humorous
07
The Toothpaste Millionaire
Jean Merrill
A cheerful, empowering celebration of youthful ingenuity and the thrill of turning a simple idea into a spectacular reality.
Shares:
- optimistic
- clever
08
President of the whole sixth grade
Sherri Winston
A spirited, relatable dive into the high-stakes world of middle school politics and changing friendships.
Shares:
- bustling
- energetic
- earnest
- humorous
09
Making friends
Kristen Gudsnuk
A chaotic, colorful, and deeply relatable magical romp through the awkward transitions of middle school.
Shares:
- energetic
- earnest
- humorous
10
Clementine
Sara Pennypacker
A warm, energetic romp through the mind of a fiercely observant child who can't help but find trouble while trying to help.
Shares:
- energetic
- lighthearted
- earnest
- humorous
11
Mallory on Strike
Ann M. Martin
A relatable, bustling tale of a young writer trying to carve out a quiet space of her own amidst the chaos of family and responsibilities.
Shares:
- bustling
- lighthearted
- earnest
12
Dogs don't tell jokes
Louis Sachar
A funny, tender exploration of what happens when the class clown finally decides to take himself seriously.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- earnest

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