Families who loved Rat Boys: A Dating Experiment by Thom Eberhardt 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 middle schooler is feeling the intense social pressure of school dances or struggling with the fear of being an 'outsider.' This lighthearted fantasy follows fourteen year olds Marci and Summer, who use a magical ring to transform two pet rats into human boys so they can have the 'perfect' dates for the Spring Fling. Beneath the slapstick humor and magical mishaps, the story explores the awkwardness of puberty and the realization that appearances can be deceiving. It is a safe, humorous entry point for discussing self-worth and the pitfalls of trying to manufacture social success. While the premise is whimsical, it captures the very real anxiety of wanting to fit in during the early teen years.