Families who loved Kissing Ted Callahan (and Other Guys) by Amy Spalding often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager starts expressing anxiety about their lack of romantic experience or feels left behind as their peer group begins dating. It is a lighthearted yet honest exploration of the pressure to have a perfect love story and how that pressure can complicate existing friendships. The story follows sixteen year olds Riley and Reid, who form a pact to pursue their crushes and document the process in a shared notebook. While the book captures the awkward, funny, and sometimes messy reality of high school hookups and dating, its core is about the value of genuine connection over social performance. Parents will appreciate how it handles themes of self-confidence and jealousy without becoming overly dark. It is best suited for older teens due to its frank, though not graphic, discussions of teenage romance and social dynamics in a modern Los Angeles setting.
