Families who loved Stoner & Spaz by Ron Koertge 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 feels isolated by their physical differences or is struggling to find a social circle where they can be their authentic self. It is a raw, unapologetic look at the unlikely friendship between Ben, a high schooler with cerebral palsy, and Colleen, a girl who uses drugs and tattoos to navigate her own complicated world. The story explores themes of body image, the weight of protective guardians, and the courage it takes to step outside of one's comfort zone. Due to its frank depiction of drug use, sexual exploration, and strong language, it is best suited for older teens. Parents will appreciate its honesty in portraying a protagonist with a disability who possesses a full range of desires, flaws, and intellectual depth beyond his medical diagnosis.