Families who loved Punch Like a Girl by Karen Krossing 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 teenager is processing trauma through explosive anger, physical aggression, or a sudden, stony withdrawal. It is a vital resource for parents whose children are struggling to articulate the aftermath of a violation of consent and are instead using 'acting out' as a shield. The story follows Tori, a teen who turns to martial arts to reclaim her sense of power after a sexual assault she hasn't yet shared with anyone. While the subject matter is intense, the book provides a roadmap for moving from self-destructive silence to vocal advocacy. It validates that healing isn't always quiet or graceful, sometimes it is messy and loud. Recommended for ages 14 and up, this is a secular, realistic look at the physiological and psychological impacts of trauma, offering hope that strength can be rebuilt on one's own terms.