Books like The honest truth

A gripping, tear-jerking survival story about a boy, his dog, and the mountain he must conquer to reclaim his own life. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with The honest truth.

tense
cold
emotionally heavy
hopeful

01
The Skull of Truth
Bruce Coville
A lighthearted, slightly spooky exploration of what happens when the filter comes off and the absolute truth spills out.
Shares:
- earnest
02
No Time to Cry
Lurlene Mcdaniel
A tender, tear-soaked exploration of survivor's guilt and the bittersweet journey of finding purpose after profound loss.
Shares:
- earnest
03
One dog and his boy
Eva Ibbotson
A heartwarming, adventurous journey about a lonely boy, a pack of rescued dogs, and the lengths we go to for the friends we love.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest
04
Breathless
Lurlene McDaniel
A devastating, tear-soaked exploration of bodily autonomy and the impossible burdens we place on those we love.
Shares:
- earnest
05
The truth about forever
Sarah Dessen
A sun-soaked summer of chaotic catering gigs, found family, and learning to let go of the need to be perfect.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest
06
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:
- hopeful
- earnest
07
Goodbye days
Jeff Zentner
A big-hearted, tear-jerking exploration of survivor's guilt that balances the crushing weight of loss with the healing power of memory and laughter.
Shares:
- earnest
08
Ways to live forever
Sally Nicholls
A tender, tear-jerking exploration of what it means to truly live when time is running out.
Shares:
- earnest
- poignant
- facing mortality
09
The One and Only Bob
Katherine Applegate
A wry, fast-paced tale of a tough-talking stray discovering that true courage means letting yourself be loved.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest
10
Wish
Barbara O'Connor
A tender, Southern-fried story about a prickly girl and a stray dog finding exactly where they belong.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest
11
Pax
Sara Pennypacker
A tender, aching journey through a war-torn landscape that explores the profound, unbreakable bond between a boy and his fox.
Shares:
- earnest
- poignant
12
Under the wolf, under the dog
Adam Rapp
A raw, unflinching plunge into the chaotic mind of a grieving teenager searching for an anchor in a sea of loss.
Shares:
- raw

Back to The honest truth