Books like The Misadventures of Max Crumbly

A frantic, doodle-filled survival guide to the everyday perils of middle school. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with The Misadventures of Max Crumbly.

chaotic
lighthearted
energetic
anxious-but-safe

01
How To Dork Your Diary
Rachel Renée Russell
A frantic, doodle-filled scramble through middle school drama that doubles as a creative playground for the reader.
Shares:
- chaotic
- lighthearted
- energetic
- humorous
02
Dork Diaries
Rachel Renée Russell
A high-energy, doodle-filled survival guide to navigating the chaotic, dramatic, and ultimately hilarious world of middle school.
Shares:
- chaotic
- lighthearted
- humorous
- middle school survival
03
Tales from a not-so-best friend forever
Rachel Renee Russell
A high-energy, doodle-filled dive into the chaotic world of middle school rivalries and rock band dreams.
Shares:
- chaotic
- lighthearted
- energetic
- humorous
04
Dork Diaries
Rachel Renee Russell
A highly visual, laugh-out-loud survival guide to the chaotic, crush-filled, and deeply embarrassing world of middle school.
Shares:
- chaotic
- lighthearted
- humorous
- earnest
05
Just My Rotten Luck
James Patterson
A hilarious, doodle-filled survival guide to the chaotic, awkward, and surprisingly triumphant battleground of middle school.
Shares:
- chaotic
- lighthearted
- energetic
- humorous
06
NERDS
Michael Buckley
A high-energy, gadget-filled romp where schoolyard outcasts transform into world-saving secret agents.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- energetic
- humorous
07
Bummer in the Summer!
Dan Gutman
A high-energy, laugh-out-loud romp through school days and holiday chaos.
Shares:
- chaotic
- lighthearted
- energetic
- humorous
08
Max goes to school
Adria F. Klein
A warm, confidence-building stepping stone into the world of reading and classroom routines.
Shares:
- earnest
09
Judy Moody
Megan McDonald
A spirited, fast-paced romp through the messy, dramatic, and ultimately sweet realities of elementary school friendships.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- humorous
10
Making friends
Kristen Gudsnuk
A chaotic, colorful, and deeply relatable magical romp through the awkward transitions of middle school.
Shares:
- chaotic
- energetic
- humorous
- earnest
11
The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix #1-4 Box Set
Raina Telgemeier
A vibrant, cozy celebration of middle school friendship and the empowering thrill of tackling growing pains together.
Shares:
- energetic
- humorous
- earnest
12
The Adventures of Captain Underpants
Dav Pilkey · 2002
A gleefully subversive celebration of childhood mischief and the boundless power of a kid's imagination.
Shares:
- chaotic
- energetic
- power of imagination

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