Books Like Middle School Bites
Families who loved Middle School Bites by Steven Banks often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Middle School Bites by Steven Banks 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 standing on the precipice of middle school and feeling a mix of dread and 'otherness.' It is the perfect tool for a child who feels like they are physically and socially morphing into someone unrecognizable. The story follows Tom, who is bitten by a bat, a wolf, and a zombie on the same night. While the plot is supernatural, the emotional core is a deeply relatable metaphor for the awkwardness of puberty and the fear of social exile. Parents will appreciate how the story uses humor to de-escalate the high stakes of middle school social hierarchies. It normalizes the feeling of being a 'monster' during the pre-teen years, making it an excellent choice for children ages 8 to 12 who need to laugh at their own anxieties. It offers a safe space to discuss body changes, identity, and finding your 'pack' without the heavy-handedness of a traditional health or advice book.
