Families who loved Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Dorky Drama Queen by Rachel Renée Russell 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 intense social pressures of middle school, particularly if they are dealing with a 'mean girl' dynamic or a breach of privacy. This installment of the Dork Diaries series is unique because it is partially written from the perspective of Nikki's rival, MacKenzie, who steals Nikki's diary. It explores the painful experience of being humiliated and the complexity of school hierarchies. While the tone is humorous and formatted as a doodled journal, it deeply validates the feelings of embarrassment and jealousy that dominate the pre-teen years. It is perfectly pitched for ages 9 to 13, offering a safe space to process peer conflict. Parents will appreciate how it normalizes the messiness of growing up while encouraging resilience and the importance of having a loyal support system when things go wrong.
