Families who loved Banned Books, Crop Tops, and Other Bad Influences by Brigit Young 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 middle schooler begins questioning authority or experiencing the frustration of double standards regarding gender and self-expression. It is a timely resource for children navigating the shift from childhood to adolescence, particularly when they start to feel that school rules around clothing or reading material are targeting their personal identity. The story follows Elly, a girl who decides to push back against a restrictive school dress code and a sudden wave of book banning in her community. It explores themes of civic engagement, the power of collective action, and the importance of female friendship during the vulnerable middle school years. This is an empowering choice for parents who want to foster a sense of agency and justice in their children while addressing the complexities of growing up in a digital and highly regulated social world.
