Families who loved 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 feels like they are the only ones stuck at home while everyone else is off on glamorous vacations or expensive camps. It is a perfect choice for navigating the FOMO (fear of missing out) that often hits during school breaks, providing a humorous and relatable look at how an ordinary summer can still be full of adventure. The story follows Judy Moody as she tries to manufacture the most thrilling summer ever through a system of thrill points, only to find that real fun often comes from the most unexpected places and people. Through Judy's frustration and eventual discovery of her artistic Aunt Opal, the book explores themes of resilience, the power of a positive mindset, and the value of intergenerational relationships. It is a lighthearted read that validates a child's big feelings about boredom and social comparison while encouraging them to find magic in their own backyard.