Families who loved Dates, Double Dates and Big Big Trouble by Karen McCombie 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 tween or young teen is first entering the bewildering world of crushes, social pressures, and friendship drama. It's a light, reassuring, and humorous story that normalizes the awkwardness of this age. The book follows Ally, whose life is already chaotic thanks to her new step-family. When a school trip and the pressure to get a date for the disco are added to the mix, her plans for romance spiral into a hilarious series of misunderstandings. It gently explores themes of friendship loyalty, jealousy, and finding your footing in a changing family. Perfect for ages 10 to 14, this book is a great choice for kids who want a funny, relatable story about growing up without the intensity of more mature young adult romance.
