Families who loved Kate the Great: Except When She's Not by Suzy Becker 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 the quiet heartbreak of a 'friendship breakup' or feeling like they no longer fit in with their old social circle. It captures the specific, awkward transition into the double digits where playground games are replaced by social hierarchies and the pressure to be cool. Kate is a witty, relatable protagonist who navigates these shifts through her art and humor, making it an excellent choice for fifth or sixth graders who feel slightly out of step with their peers. This story normalizes the sting of being left out while celebrating the importance of staying true to one's own creative voice. It is a gentle, secular, and humorous look at the messy reality of growing up, perfect for fostering resilience and self-confidence in middle-grade readers.
