Families who loved Alice the Brave by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor 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 is hiding a secret fear or feeling intense shame about being 'behind' their peers in a specific skill. Alice the Brave addresses the paralyzing anxiety of being the only one who can't do something, in this case, swimming in the deep end. It is a perfect choice for middle schoolers navigating the gap between who they are and who they think they should be. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor captures the awkwardness of the pre-teen years with humor and sensitivity. While the plot centers on Alice's phobia of deep water, the deeper themes explore body image, peer pressure, and the courage it takes to be honest with friends. It is a reassuring read for any child who feels like an imposter in their own social circle.