Books Like Spider Boy
Families who loved Spider Boy by Ralph J. Fletcher often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Spider Boy by Ralph J. Fletcher 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 is facing the social isolation that often follows a major life transition, like moving to a new school or state. It is a deeply resonant choice for the kid who feels like an outsider and chooses to retreat into a niche hobby rather than face the vulnerability of making new friends. The story follows Bobby, a seventh grader who copes with his loneliness by telling elaborate lies and obsessing over his pet tarantulas. Parents will find this a valuable tool for discussing the difference between privacy and secrecy, as well as the unintended consequences of 'tall tales' used as a social shield. It is a realistic, middle-grade look at the messy process of finding your footing when you feel like a freak in a new environment. Ralph Fletcher captures the specific anxieties of middle school with a gentle, honest touch that validates a child's need for a safe emotional harbor.
