Families who loved Define Normal by Julie Anne Peters 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 teen is struggling with the pressure of a specific reputation or when you suspect there is a gap between who they are at home and who they pretend to be at school. It is an ideal bridge for a child who feels isolated by family secrets or who is quick to judge others based on outward appearances. This story follows Antonia, a high-achieving priss, and Jazz, a rebellious punk, as they are paired in a peer counseling program. Through their unlikely friendship, the book explores heavy themes of parental depression and family instability with a realistic and empathetic lens. It is most appropriate for ages 12 to 16, offering a comforting reminder that no one is truly as normal as they seem from the outside.