Families who loved The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze by Derrick Barnes 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 an 'invisible' burden or a visible difference that makes them feel like they are constantly under a microscope. It is a powerful choice for the pre-teen who excels in one area, like sports or academics, but feels like a fraud or an outsider because of a personal struggle they are hiding from their peers. Henson Blayze is a middle school basketball star who seems to have it all, but he is privately battling a severe case of eczema that makes him feel anything but 'superhuman.' The story beautifully navigates themes of self-confidence, the pressure of expectations, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Ideal for ages 8 to 12, it provides a realistic and empathetic look at how physical health and mental well-being are deeply intertwined during the middle school years.
