Families who loved Karen's Movie Star by Ann M. Martin 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 grappling with the green eyed monster of jealousy or feeling overlooked while a peer or sibling takes center stage. This story follows young Karen Brewer as her town becomes a movie set and her best friend lands a role. It is a relatable exploration of the complex feelings that arise when we want to be happy for others but wish we were the ones in the spotlight. Parents will appreciate how the book models the process of moving from resentment to a more mature sense of self confidence. It is a gentle, realistic look at social dynamics for children in the early elementary years. The story validates that wanting attention is a normal human feeling, while providing a roadmap for how to handle those big emotions without hurting friendships.