Families who loved Friends, Freak-outs and Very Secret Secrets by Karen McCombie 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 struggling with a friend who seems to be 'copying' them or when they are feeling paralyzed by a creative school project. It specifically addresses the frustration of having one's personal identity mimicked by a peer, which can feel like an invasion of privacy for a pre-teen. Karen McCombie captures the authentic, humorous voice of a young girl navigating the messy realities of middle school social circles and family life. Ally's journey through the 'Attack of the Clones' (her friend Sandie's sudden obsession with imitating her) provides a relatable framework for discussing boundaries and self-confidence. The story also balances this social drama with the stress of school assignments, showing how creative inspiration can strike in unexpected ways. It is a lighthearted, realistic, and reassuring read for children aged 8 to 12 who are learning to define themselves both within and apart from their friend groups.
