Families who loved Dork Diaries: Party Time by Rachel Renée Russell 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 middle-schooler is feeling the weight of social pressure or struggling to balance different groups of friends. Nikki Maxwell is a relatable underdog navigating the high-stakes world of school dances and 'mean girl' rivalries. Through her diary entries and humorous sketches, Nikki illustrates the universal anxiety of wanting to belong while staying true to yourself. Parents will appreciate how it validates the intense emotions of the pre-teen years while maintaining a light, comedic tone. It is an excellent choice for reluctant readers or kids who feel like 'dorks' in a world of 'CCP' (Cool, Cute, and Popular) crowds, normalizing the awkwardness of growing up.