Families who loved Punkzilla by Adam Rapp 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 their teenager is grappling with intense themes of family estrangement, the reality of terminal illness, or the rocky path of recovery from poor choices. It is a raw, unflinching look at a fourteen-year-old runaway named Punkzilla who travels across the country to see his dying brother. Through a series of letters, the story explores deep-seated needs for forgiveness and the desperation of trying to make amends before it is too late. Because of its visceral descriptions of street life, drug use, and profanity, it is best suited for mature high schoolers. Parents can use this story to open honest dialogues about the consequences of addiction and the enduring, often complicated bonds of sibling love.