Families who loved Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Friendly Frenemy by Rachel Renée Russell 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 navigating the rocky waters of social hierarchy, friendship drama, or the anxiety of being the new kid. It is an ideal choice for children who feel like they do not quite fit into the popular crowd or those who are currently experiencing the sting of a 'frenemy' relationship. The story follows Nikki Maxwell as she participates in a week-long student exchange at a rival school, only to find herself face-to-face with her nemesis and a new, even meaner girl. It normalizes the intense emotions of early adolescence, such as embarrassment and peer pressure, while using humor and doodles to make the high-stakes world of middle school feel manageable and even funny. It is a lighthearted yet validating read for ages 9 to 13.
