Families who loved Beta by Rachel Cohn 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 teenager is grappling with the pressure to fit into a perfectionist mold or feels like their true emotions are being dismissed by the world around them. Set in a bioengineered paradise, the story follows Elysia, a teenage clone created to serve the wealthy without feeling pain or desire. However, she begins to experience the very human emotions she was designed to lack. This science fiction thriller explores the weight of identity, the ethics of technology, and the courage required to claim one's own soul. It is an ideal pick for older teens who enjoy high-stakes dystopian adventures with a focus on self-discovery. Parents will appreciate the way it tackles the dehumanizing effects of privilege and the importance of empathy, though it contains some mature themes and violence suitable for high schoolers.