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Honestly Elliott
by McDunn, Gillian
Elliott is a boy who feels like he is constantly missing the mark, especially when it comes to the expectations of his father and the rigid structure of middle school. Diagnosed with ADHD, he struggles to keep his focus aligned with what the adults around him want, often retreating into the creative, sensory world of his kitchen. This story follows his attempts to find solid ground through a new, unlikely friendship and a high-stakes cooking competition. The narrative is intimate and deeply grounded, capturing the messy, frustrating, and ultimately hopeful process of learning how your own brain works. It moves at a gentle, introspective pace that favors internal growth over high-octane plot twists. This is a perfect read for anyone who has ever felt like they were playing by a set of rules written for someone else.
10 Books similar to 'Honestly Elliott'
Since you enjoyed the earnest, character-driven journey in Honestly Elliott, these selections were curated to honor that same spirit of self-discovery. We chose these titles because they mirror Elliott’s experience navigating neurodivergence, the complex pressure of familial expectations, and the relief of finding a friend who truly gets you. Whether through the lens of a shared culinary passion or the quiet struggle to find one's voice in a loud world, these stories celebrate the resilience of kids who refuse to be defined by their perceived limitations.
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Like 'Honestly Elliott', this story features a neurodivergent protagonist navigating the challenges of school and friendship while pursuing a personal passion. It captures the same authentic, empathetic voice that celebrates being different.
by Sarah Kapit
This book features a neurodivergent protagonist (autistic) and focuses on family dynamics and solving problems, much like the way Elliott navigates his own family and social life. The narrative voice is relatable and centers on the protagonist's unique perspective.
by Jamie Sumner
Readers who enjoyed Elliott's journey of self-acceptance will appreciate Ellie's story as she deals with cerebral palsy and her dreams of baking. It shares a similar focus on finding where you fit in and dealing with the realities of middle school.
This classic middle-grade novel about a girl with dyslexia learning to embrace her intelligence mirrors the themes of 'Honestly Elliott' regarding learning differences and the importance of finding a supportive mentor and friends.
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by Jamie Sumner
Focusing on a girl with sensory processing issues who finds her voice through music, this book shares the same tender, realistic approach to neurodivergence found in McDunn's writing. It is a beautiful exploration of finding one's own rhythm.
This story features an autistic protagonist whose deep interest in space mirrors Elliott's passion for cooking. It is a deeply moving look at how neurodivergent children navigate the world and the importance of finding one's 'people'.
by Tae Keller
Like Elliott, Natalie is a protagonist trying to solve complex problems—in this case, her mother's depression—through a scientific lens. It balances heavy emotional themes with the everyday realities of middle school friendship.
This is a perfect companion read as it deals directly with the experience of having ADHD in middle school. It mirrors the frustration and eventual triumph of Elliott, making it highly relatable for fans of McDunn's work.
by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan
Told through alternating perspectives, this book explores the unlikely friendship between two boys who feel like outsiders, echoing the bonding dynamic Elliott experiences in his own story. It is a gentle, character-driven narrative.
by Lily LaMotte
For readers who loved the culinary aspects of 'Honestly Elliott', this graphic novel about a girl using cooking to connect with her grandmother’s memory is a perfect match. It shares the same warmth and focus on passion projects.
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As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.