Families who loved Just Right Jillian by Nicole D. Collier 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 you notice your child is playing it safe to avoid being noticed, or when they are struggling to reconcile their inner vibrant personality with an outer shell of shyness. This moving middle-grade story follows fifth-grader Jillian, a girl who is used to making herself small but is tired of living in the shadows. After the loss of her beloved grandmother, Jillian decides to break out of her comfort zone by entering a mind-bending chicken-hatching competition at school. Through themes of grief, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to be oneself, this book provides a beautiful roadmap for children navigating social anxiety and the transition toward middle school. It is an ideal choice for parents looking to validate a child's quiet nature while encouraging them to find their voice.