Families who loved The Scheme Team by Lauren Brooke 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 is feeling the sting of exclusion or the pressure to pick sides between friends. It is a perfect choice for children who feel caught in the middle of social shifts where old bonds are tested by new, more exclusive cliques. The story follows Lauren and her friends as they navigate the complicated dynamics of their pony club, where competitive jealousy and hurt feelings threaten their group harmony. Parents will appreciate how it validates the intense emotions of middle school friendships while offering a roadmap for standing one's ground with grace. It is age-appropriate for readers 8 to 12 who are moving beyond simple playground games into more complex social hierarchies.