Families who loved Sunshine, Sunburn and Not-So-Sweet Nothings by Karen McCombie 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 tween is struggling with shifting friendships, jealousy, and the awkwardness of a first crush. This diary-style novel follows Ally as she navigates a summer filled with chaos: a family trip to Italy, a cute new boy, and a best friend who is suddenly acting distant and mean. Through humorous and relatable entries, the book explores themes of friendship loyalty, self-confidence, and family dynamics. It's a perfect fit for readers aged 10-14, offering a lighthearted yet validating look at the very real emotional rollercoasters of early adolescence. It normalizes these big feelings and shows that it's okay not to have it all figured out.
