Books Like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Norton Juster

Like Wonka's factory, it builds an entire inventive world out of wordplay and marvels, following a bored boy who travels somewhere strange and delightful with a funny, lively narrator.

Jessica Townsend

Its eccentric, magical city and its sweeping sense of wonder echo the factory's rooms of impossible sweets, while its heroine, like Charlie, is an outsider who wins a chance at a dazzling new life.

Neil Gaiman

For readers who liked the slightly eerie side of Wonka's factory, it offers a strange, vividly imagined house, a sharp-witted young heroine and a story that is spooky without ever losing its fun.

Trenton Lee Stewart

Gifted children are selected through a challenging test and sent on a mission full of puzzles and secrets, matching the sense of a special invitation and a mysterious, eccentric adult in charge.

Louis Sachar

Its quirky plot, dry humour and unusual cast of characters, plus a bold young hero who stays true to himself, give it the same offbeat comic energy that makes Dahl's story so memorable.

Roald Dahl

The same author's sharp wit and gleeful villains are at work here, as a clever, mistreated young heroine takes on grown-ups who deserve a comeuppance, in a story full of bold comic invention.

Lois Lowry

A wickedly funny send-up of neglectful, selfish parents and resourceful children, it has the same dark-edged comedy and cheeky narration that make Dahl's spoiled characters so entertaining.

Kate DiCamillo

Its warm, gentle story follows a lonely, honest young narrator who finds friendship and courage in an unexpected place, capturing the same heart and quiet goodness that define Charlie Bucket.

R. J. Palacio

A kind, brave child who is treated unfairly still shows decency to everyone around him, giving readers the same emotional satisfaction of seeing a good-hearted hero rewarded for his character.

Peter Brown

A robot stranded on an island learns to care for the animals around her, and her steady kindness and courage echo the heart of Charlie's story while the tone stays gentle and funny.