Families who loved How to Outfox Your Friends when You Don't Have a Clue by Jess Keating 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 facing the 'friendship shuffle' that often happens in middle school: the anxiety of merging different social circles or feeling like an old friend is outgrowing them. This humorous story follows nearly thirteen-year-old Ana, who lives at a zoo, as she navigates the arrival of her long-distance best friend and the complicated dynamics of her school life. It masterfully explores themes of social hierarchy, jealousy, and the pressure to be 'cool' without losing one's true self. It is a perfect choice for children aged 8 to 12 who are starting to feel the weight of social expectations and need reassurance that their quirky interests are worth keeping. Parents will appreciate the healthy, supportive family environment and the way it validates the intense, often messy emotions of early adolescence.
