Families who loved Callie for President by Robin Wasserman often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent should reach for this book when their child is navigating the painful experience of a friendship betrayal or feels like an underdog in their school's social scene. Callie for President follows a middle schooler who is accidentally nominated for student council president against the most popular girl in school. What starts as a joke becomes a serious fight for respect when her opponent, Brianna, publicly humiliates her and steals her best friend. This book thoughtfully explores themes of self-confidence, resilience, and the true meaning of friendship. It's a perfect, lighthearted read for ages 9 to 12 that validates the hurt of being excluded and models how to find your voice and stand up for yourself, even when you feel small.