Families who loved My Best Frenemy by Julie Bowe 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 starts navigating the high-stakes social dynamics of mid-elementary school, especially if they are struggling with a friend who has become controlling or mean. The story follows fourth-grader Ida May as she deals with the magnetic but manipulative Jenna Drews, who pushes the boundaries of safety with a game of Truth or Dare. It is a nuanced look at the difference between true friendship and peer pressure. Parents will appreciate how it validates the anxiety of being caught between wanting to fit in and knowing when a situation has gone too far. It is developmentally perfect for ages 8 to 11, offering a realistic model for how to reclaim one's voice and set boundaries without losing oneself in the process.