Families who loved Making the Team by Nancy Carlson 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 feels they do not fit the mold of what a boy or girl is expected to do on the playground. It is a gentle, humorous story about Louanne Pig and her friend Arnie, who both find that their true talents lie in unexpected places. While Louanne thinks she should be a cheerleader and Arnie tries out for football, they discover that their skills actually suit the opposite roles. This story is a wonderful tool for navigating gender stereotypes and the pressure of school tryouts. It celebrates the idea that being yourself is more important than following the crowd. Best suited for children ages 4 to 8, it provides a safe space to discuss why it is okay to choose the activity that actually makes you happy, even if it surprises others.