Families who loved Minn and Jake's Almost Terrible Summer by Janet S. Wong 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 struggling with the 'comparison trap' or feeling like their summer is a disappointment compared to everyone else's highlight reel. It is a relatable story about Jake, whose summer plans fall apart while his cousin's life looks perfect, and his quirky friend Minn, who faces her own social hurdles. The story explores the nuances of friendship, the sting of jealousy, and the pressure of family expectations. It is perfectly pitched for the middle-grade years when social dynamics become more complex. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's feelings of embarrassment and inadequacy while showing them how to find joy in unexpected, imperfect circumstances. It is a gentle, humorous guide to surviving social anxiety and finding one's own rhythm.
