Families who loved Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald 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 a major change in plans or feeling left behind by friends during a school break. It specifically addresses the frustration of unmet expectations and the loneliness that can crop up when social circles shift. The story follows Judy, who is determined to have an exciting summer despite her parents leaving and her best friends going away on vacation. Through humor and a series of high energy dares, the book explores themes of resilience and self reliance. It normalizes big feelings like jealousy and boredom while showing kids how to take agency over their own fun. This is a lighthearted choice for children ages 6 to 10 that validates their emotional ups and downs without becoming overly heavy or didactic.
