Books Like Choosing Up Sides
Families who loved Choosing Up Sides by John Ritter often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Choosing Up Sides by John Ritter 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 grappling with the weight of expectations that clash with their true nature. Whether it is a talent they are told to hide or a part of their identity that feels at odds with family tradition, this story provides a safe space to explore the internal conflict of 'fitting in' versus 'being oneself.' Set in 1921, the story follows Luke, a boy whose natural left-handedness is viewed as a moral failing by his fundamentalist preacher father. As Luke discovers a phenomenal gift for pitching, he must navigate the intense guilt of defying his father's religious convictions to embrace his own potential. It is a powerful choice for middle schoolers facing pressure to conform, offering a historical lens on very modern feelings of shame and the courage required to stand up for one's own identity. It is ultimately a story about the difficult but necessary path toward independence.
