Books Like Now Playing
Families who loved Now Playing by Ron Koertge 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 Now Playing by Ron Koertge 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 grappling with the friction between their physical reality and their internal ambitions. It is an ideal choice for parents of teens who feel defined by a label, such as a disability or a specific social status, and are looking for a way to voice their own complex identities. The story follows Ben, a high schooler with cerebral palsy, as he navigates the high-pressure world of filmmaking and the confusing waters of two very different romantic interests. Koertge uses sharp, unsentimental humor to explore deep themes of self-worth, the weight of family expectations, and the difference between love and gratitude. While the language and situations are authentic to the high school experience, the book offers a profoundly humanizing look at life with a disability, making it a powerful tool for building empathy and self-assurance. It is best suited for mature readers aged 14 and up due to its realistic portrayal of teen life and substance use themes.
