Families who loved Hero by Perry Moore 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 teenager is grappling with a hidden identity or feels the crushing weight of living up to a parent's legacy. Thom Creed is a star athlete who carries two heavy secrets: he has superpowers and he is gay. His father, a disgraced former hero, hates the organization Thom wants to join, creating a complex web of loyalty, fear, and the need for acceptance. This novel is a powerful tool for families navigating coming out stories, as it uses the superhero genre as a vibrant metaphor for the courage required to be authentic. While it contains some mature themes and superhero violence, it offers a deeply moving exploration of the father-son bond and the beauty of finding your chosen family among other misfits. It is an affirming choice for teens who feel like they are hiding their true selves to protect the people they love.