Families who loved Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom 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 teenager is struggling with the complexities of social boundaries, the frustration of being underestimated, or the lingering pain of a past betrayal. It is a powerful resource for young people navigating the balance between necessary independence and the vulnerability required to let others in. The story follows Parker Grant, a high school junior who has been blind since childhood and recently lost her father. Parker is fiercely independent and maintains a strict set of rules to protect herself from being pitied or manipulated. The emotional core of the novel focuses on her journey toward forgiveness when a boy from her past reappears, forcing her to confront her own rigid defenses. It is highly appropriate for ages 13 and up, offering a sharp and unsentimental look at disability that avoids common tropes. Parents will appreciate how the book models self-advocacy and the difficult, non-linear process of emotional healing.