Families who loved About Average by Andrew Clements often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child expresses frustration about being just average or feels overshadowed by peers with flashy talents. It speaks directly to the quiet middle child or the student who works hard but never takes home the trophy, addressing the heavy burden of constant comparison in middle school. Jordan Johnston is a sixth grader who feels like a C-plus person in a world of A-plus stars, but her perspective shifts dramatically when a life-threatening weather event demands real-world courage. This story is a beautiful tool for normalizing the feeling of being ordinary while redefining what it means to be extraordinary. It is perfectly suited for ages 8 to 12, offering a realistic and ultimately empowering look at self-worth and resilience during a crisis.