Families who loved Sixth-Grade Glommers, Norks, and Me by Lisa Papademetriou 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 starts coming home feeling like an outsider in their own friend group or is baffled by the new 'rules' of middle school social hierarchies. It captures that painful moment when a lifelong best friend suddenly prioritizes being popular or acting older, leaving your child feeling stuck between childhood and adolescence. Through the eyes of Allie, the story navigates the shift from playing to 'hanging out,' normalizing the confusion and jealousy that often accompany these transitions. Parents will appreciate the book's gentle humor and its realistic portrayal of the trial-and-error process of finding one's true self. It is a perfect choice for 9 to 12 year olds who are witnessing their peer groups splinter into cliques. Rather than offering easy fixes, the story provides comfort by showing that while friendships may change or even end, your child's individual worth remains constant. It serves as an excellent bridge for conversations about staying true to your own interests even when they aren't 'cool.'
