Families who loved Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Cheng often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to process a friendship that has soured into something toxic, or when they are feeling the crushing weight of academic and social performance. It is an ideal pick for readers who use horror or dark fantasy as a mirror for their own internal anxieties. The story follows Sunny, a girl haunted by the memories of her former pop-star girl group and the mysterious, tragic events that broke them apart. As Sunny returns to the world of idol competition, she must confront the literal and metaphorical monsters created by jealousy and fame. While the book is categorized as horror, its true value lies in its raw exploration of guilt, the masks we wear to please others, and the complexity of female friendships. It addresses the pressure to be perfect and the consequences of letting competition come between peers. Parents should be aware that the horror elements are visceral, making it best suited for mature teens who appreciate a dark, atmospheric thriller with a supernatural edge.