Families who loved Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy 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 feeling the heavy weight of family responsibility or questioning where they fit in a world that seems to have pre-defined their path. It is a soulful exploration of a young woman named Ramona who is the glue holding her family together in a small Mississippi town. Between working multiple jobs and supporting her pregnant sister, she begins to navigate a shift in her own identity and what she wants for her future. This story is perfect for readers navigating the 'in-between' spaces of life, especially regarding sexuality and class. It addresses the realities of poverty and the pressure to be the adult in the room with empathy and grit. Parents will appreciate the book for its honest, nuanced portrayal of a protagonist who learns that being true to herself doesn't mean she is betraying the people she loves.