Families who loved Tales of a Sixth-Grade Muppet by Kirk Scroggs 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 feels like an outsider or is struggling to find their tribe in a world that feels increasingly loud and judgmental. Danvers Blickensderfer is an average kid who feels like a total failure until he literally transforms into a Muppet, a physical manifestation of his inner 'misfit' identity. Through his internship at the Muppet Theater, he learns that what makes him weird is exactly what makes him wonderful. This zany, illustrated chapter book uses high-energy humor and beloved pop culture icons to tackle serious themes of self-confidence and belonging. It is a perfect choice for reluctant readers or kids who feel the pressure to fit in. The story provides a safe, fantastical lens to discuss the awkwardness of puberty and the importance of finding a community that celebrates your unique quirks.