Families who loved Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to bridge the gap between their deeply held personal values and a social environment that seems to challenge or mock those beliefs. It is particularly helpful for girls who feel like 'outsiders' due to their activism or lifestyle choices, such as environmentalism or veganism. The story follows seventeen-year-old Jenna as she navigates a summer in rural Canada, where her city-bred ideals clash with the rugged, hunting-focused reality of the locals. While the book is a lighthearted romantic comedy, it delves into the emotional complexity of identity and the shame that comes with trying to fit in. It teaches teens that empathy is a two-way street: respecting others' traditions is just as important as standing up for your own principles. Parents will appreciate the way it models personal growth and the softening of rigid judgments without requiring the protagonist to sacrifice her core self.
