Families who loved The Boy Project: Notes and Observations of Kara McAllister by Kami Kinard 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 daughter starts obsessing over the social dynamics of middle school or feels like she needs a manual to understand boys. It is perfect for the tween who feels like a bit of an outsider and is trying to navigate the shift from childhood play to the complex world of romantic interests and social hierarchies. Kara McAllister, a relatable and slightly awkward eighth grader, decides to apply the scientific method to her social life. Through charts, graphs, and humor, the story explores the highs and lows of early dating culture, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the realization that people cannot be reduced to data points. It is a lighthearted, age-appropriate look at growing up that validates the confusion of the middle school years without being overly heavy or mature.
