Families who loved Dork Diaries: Frenemies Forever 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.
Parents should reach for this book when their middle schooler is navigating the complex social dynamics of frenemies, social hierarchies, and the anxiety of being the new kid. The story follows Nikki Maxwell as she participates in a school exchange program at a prestigious private school, only to find her long-time rival MacKenzie is already there. When a new, even more aggressive mean girl emerges, Nikki and MacKenzie must decide if their shared history is enough to form an unlikely alliance. This eleventh installment focuses heavily on social-emotional intelligence, specifically the realization that the enemy you know might be better than the one you do not. It is a lighthearted, highly visual read that validates the intense feelings of tween social life while modeling how to find common ground with difficult peers. It is ideal for ages 9 to 13, particularly for reluctant readers who enjoy diary-style narratives.
