Families who loved Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices by Mitali Perkins 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 grappling with the awkward, funny, and sometimes painful reality of living between two cultures. Whether they are navigating life as a first generation American or trying to reconcile different parts of their identity at school, this anthology provides a safe and relatable space for reflection. Through a series of short stories, poems, and comics, ten diverse authors share the 'in-between' moments where humor becomes a tool for survival and connection. While the book addresses heavy topics like microaggressions and prejudice, it does so with a light touch that prioritizes the adolescent experience. It is particularly well suited for middle schoolers who are beginning to notice social hierarchies and want to see their own complex lives reflected with honesty rather than sentimentality. Parents will appreciate how it uses laughter to open doors for deep conversations about heritage, belonging, and standing up for oneself.
