Families who loved Ishmael and the Return of the Dugongs by Michael Gerard Bauer 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 the acute, often hilarious agony of social anxiety, first crushes, and the fear of parental embarrassment. This sequel follows Ishmael Leseur into Year Ten, where the stakes shift from avoiding the school bully to navigating the high-pressure world of school dances and dating. It is a brilliant resource for normalizing the 'internal monologue of doom' that many teens experience during puberty. The story beautifully balances the awkwardness of growing up with the warmth of family loyalty. While Ishmael is terrified of his father's band making a public comeback, he ultimately learns to reconcile his need for social 'coolness' with his love for his quirky family. It is an ideal pick for building self-confidence and discussing the reality that everyone, even the most confident-looking peers, is likely just as nervous as they are.
