Books Like A High Five for Glenn Burke
Families who loved A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner 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 navigating the quiet, often confusing realization that they might be different from their peers, especially in a sports or school environment where fitting in feels mandatory. It is an essential choice for a middle schooler who loves athletics but feels a disconnect between their public persona and their internal identity. The story follows Silas, a baseball-obsessed sixth grader who discovers the history of Glenn Burke, the MLB player who invented the high five and was also gay. This discovery becomes a mirror for Silas as he processes his own coming out process. Through the lens of baseball history and middle school friendships, Phil Bildner explores themes of bravery, self-acceptance, and the fear of rejection. The book is emotionally resonant and age-appropriate for the 10-14 range, offering a realistic look at the anxiety of being 'the first' in one's social circle to share a personal truth. Parents will appreciate the way it models supportive adult-child relationships while acknowledging the very real social stakes of middle school life.
