Families who loved One Good Punch by Rich Wallace 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 teen is navigating the complex gray area between loyalty to a friend and personal accountability. Michael Kerrigan is a high-achieving student-athlete who seemingly has it all until the police discover drugs in his locker. While he is innocent, the pressure to 'narc' on the real culprit (his best friend) versus losing his future as a track star creates a high-stakes ethical dilemma. This story resonates with parents of teenagers who are beginning to realize that doing the 'right thing' often comes with a significant social or personal cost. It is a grounded, realistic look at how one moment of misplaced loyalty can derail a promising path and serves as an excellent catalyst for discussing integrity and the consequences of the company we keep.