Families who loved Project Middle School by Alyssa Milano 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 expresses frustration about an injustice at school or feels like their voice is too small to make a difference. It is a perfect fit for the middle grade reader who is beginning to notice social hierarchies and wants to combine their personal passions, like science and technology, with real world activism. The story follows Hope Roberts as she enters middle school and decides to take on a male dominated robotics competition while navigating evolving friendships. This is an empowering and humorous choice that models how to stand up for oneself and others without being overly heavy. Parents will appreciate how it balances the typical drama of starting sixth grade with a strong message about girl power and scientific curiosity. It serves as a great bridge for children transitioning from lighter chapter books to more nuanced realistic fiction, providing a hopeful template for leadership and teamwork.