Families who loved Penina Levine Is a Hard-Boiled Egg by Rebecca O'Connell 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 struggling with a teacher who doesn't seem to 'get' them, or when they feel like their personal beliefs are clashing with school assignments. This funny and grounded story follows Penina, a sixth-grader who refuses to complete a school project involving Easter eggs because it conflicts with her Jewish faith and the upcoming Passover holiday. It captures the social pressure of middle school and the frustration of being misunderstood by adults. It is a perfect choice for children aged 8 to 12 who are developing their own sense of integrity. The book provides a wonderful roadmap for how to stand up for one's identity with humor, grace, and persistence, while also navigating the messy reality of sibling rivalry and changing friendships.
