Books Like Playing in Traffic
Families who loved Playing in Traffic by Gail Giles 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 Playing in Traffic by Gail Giles often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent might reach for this book when they notice their teenager feeling invisible at school or becoming suddenly close with an intense, unpredictable new friend. It speaks directly to the vulnerability of the overlooked teen who is willing to ignore red flags just to feel seen. The story follows Matt, an average high schooler who is swept into the orbit of Skye, a girl who uses her beauty and edge to manipulate him into a dangerous psychological game. It explores heavy themes of peer pressure, sexual manipulation, and the consequences of blurred moral lines. This is a gritty, realistic thriller for older teens that serves as a cautionary tale about the high cost of wanting to belong. Parents should choose this to spark critical conversations about healthy boundaries and the dangers of predatory social dynamics.
