Families who loved Karen's New Year 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.
In "Karen's New Year," young Karen is enthusiastic about New Year's resolutions, encouraging her friends Hannie and Kirsty to make their own. Hannie vows to stop biting her nails, and Kirsty promises to talk less on the phone. However, as Karen observes her friends struggling to keep their commitments, they begin to accuse her of being a "spy." This early chapter book explores themes of promises, friendship, and the challenges of self-improvement in a lighthearted and relatable way, perfect for children navigating social dynamics and personal goals.