Families who loved If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson 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 begins questioning why the world treats people differently based on their appearance, or when they are navigating the intense, world-shifting emotions of a first serious relationship. This modern classic explores the tender romance between Jeremiah and Ellie, two fifteen-year-olds from different worlds who find common ground in their shared feelings of being outsiders. While it celebrates the sweetness of young love, it also provides a necessary, heart-wrenching look at how systemic racism and prejudice can impact even the most innocent connections. It is a profound tool for discussing social justice, the reality of police profiling, and the courage it takes to love across societal divides. Given the heavy ending, it is best suited for mature middle schoolers and high school students who are ready for a realistic, rather than fairy-tale, exploration of social issues.