Families who loved Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy by Jonathan Hill 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 expresses the exhausting weight of trying to 'mask' or hide their true personality to avoid being bullied at school. It is an ideal pick for children navigating new environments or those who feel their family's culture and traditions make them stand out in ways that feel uncomfortable. Tommy is a literal lizard person disguised as a human, providing a perfect metaphor for the immigrant or 'outsider' experience without being overly heavy-handed. As Tommy navigates middle school alongside fellow outcasts, including a Vietnamese student and the janitor's daughter, the story explores the pressure to assimilate and the guilt that comes from betraying one's roots to gain social status. The graphic novel format makes these complex themes of identity, shame, and integrity accessible for readers aged 8 to 12. Parents will appreciate how the story moves from the fear of being discovered to the bravery of being seen, ultimately teaching that real friendship requires honesty and vulnerability.
