Books Like Surprisingly Sarah
Families who loved Surprisingly Sarah by Terri Libenson 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 Surprisingly Sarah by Terri Libenson 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 middle schooler is paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong social move or is obsessing over what-if scenarios regarding their first crush. It is a perfect tool for children who struggle with social anxiety and the pressure to fit in while remaining loyal to themselves. The story follows Sarah through a sliding doors narrative where one choice, whether or not to ask a boy to a dance, splits into two different paths. It explores how small decisions impact friendships, reputation, and self-esteem. As part of the popular Emmie and Friends series, it uses a highly relatable graphic novel format to normalize the intense emotions of the pre-teen years. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's internal struggle with courage and rejection. It is ideally suited for ages 8 to 12, offering a safe space to discuss the consequences of our actions and the importance of being true to one's own values despite peer pressure.
