Families who loved Help! We Have Strange Powers! by R. L. Stine 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 feels like they are keeping a secret that sets them apart from their peers or when they are struggling with the transition of growing up and feeling 'different.' While it wears the mask of a spooky thriller, it is a fantastic tool for discussing the burden of hidden anxieties and the importance of sibling or peer solidarity when the world feels overwhelming. The story follows twins Jillian and Jackson who suddenly develop telepathic abilities. What starts as a fun trick quickly spirals into a high-stakes escape from a mysterious scientist. Beyond the supernatural elements, the book explores themes of trust, privacy, and the fear of being exploited for what makes you unique. It is a fast-paced read perfectly suited for middle-grade readers who enjoy mystery but are also navigating their own blossoming identities.