Families who loved Betting on You by Lynn Painter often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to navigate the cynical aftershocks of a divorce or the awkward transition into a blended family. It is a sharp, humorous, and heartfelt story about two teens who bond over their shared experiences as 'children of divorce' while working at an airport hotel. While the central plot involves a bet and a growing romance, the deeper emotional core explores the fear of vulnerability and the difficulty of trusting others when your family foundation has shifted. It is highly appropriate for older teens, offering a realistic look at modern relationships and the way humor can be a defense mechanism for loneliness. Parents will appreciate how it validates the complex feelings of resentment and hope that come with family changes.