Families who loved Chicken Friend by Nicola Morgan 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 child is struggling with the 'visibility' of a chronic illness or the crushing pressure to fit in after a big move. Becca is a relatable twelve year old who is navigating a new life in the English countryside while managing Type 1 diabetes. Fearing that her condition makes her 'different' or 'un-cool,' she hides her medical needs from her new neighbors and even attempts to throw herself a fake birthday party to gain social standing. This story is a perfect bridge for children aged 9 to 12 who are balancing their private health needs with their public identities. It is a gentle, often humorous look at the difference between having friends and finding people who truly see you. Parents will appreciate how it treats medical management as a part of life rather than a tragedy, while validating the very real social anxiety that comes with being the new kid.