Families who loved Figuring Out Frances by Gina Willner-Pardo 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 a friendship that has suddenly turned cold or when a family member is beginning to experience memory loss. Figuring Out Frances follows ten year old Abigail as she navigates the painful transition of her best friend, Travis, joining her school only to ignore her in favor of fitting in with the cool crowd. This story is a poignant exploration of loyalty, the sting of peer pressure, and the confusing emotions of loving a grandparent with Alzheimer's. It is perfectly suited for children ages 8 to 12 who are starting to notice the social hierarchies of middle grade life and need to see a protagonist choose integrity over popularity. Parents will appreciate how it models standing up for family even when it is socially uncomfortable.