Families who loved Mates, Mysteries and Pretty Weird Weirdness by Karen McCombie 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 tween is navigating the awkward transition between childhood play and adolescent social hierarchies, or if they are feeling a bit isolated by their own unique quirks. It is a perfect choice for children who love a lighthearted mystery but might be intimidated by truly scary horror stories. The narrative follows Ally Love as she and her friends investigate bizarre occurrences in their neighborhood, from green milk to moving garden gnomes. While the surface plot involves spooky neighborhood happenings, the heart of the story is about the strength of female friendships and the warmth of a bustling, eccentric family. It validates the 'tween' experience where things that seem small to adults feel momentous to the child. Parents will appreciate the healthy communication modeled within the Love family and the way McCombie uses humor to address the common anxieties of middle school life. It is a gentle, funny, and reassuring read for the 9 to 12 age bracket.
