Books Like The Boys in the Back Row
Families who loved The Boys in the Back Row by Mike Jung 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 The Boys in the Back Row by Mike Jung 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 son is facing the departure of a close friend or struggling to express the depth of his platonic feelings in a culture that often tells boys to be tough. The story follows Matt and Eric, two best friends and 'band geeks' who plan an epic, rule-breaking adventure to a comic convention during a marching band trip before Eric moves away. Beyond the hilarious hijinks and geek culture references, the book explores the vulnerability and profound love that exists in male friendships. It is an ideal choice for middle schoolers (ages 10-14) navigating the transition to adolescence, offering a healthy model of emotional honesty and loyalty without the pressure of traditional stoic masculinity. Parents will appreciate how it validates the 'heartbreak' of losing a best friend to a move.
