Families who loved The Cat Ate My Gymsuit by Paula Danziger often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.

A parent should reach for this book when their child is expressing deep insecurity about their body, feeling invisible at school, or struggling with a critical parent at home. This classic middle grade novel follows Marcy Lewis, a girl who hides from the world behind excuses to avoid gym class. Through the mentorship of an unconventional teacher, Marcy learns to find her voice and stand up for her beliefs even when it carries social and personal risks. It is a poignant exploration of self esteem, the impact of verbal emotional abuse in the home, and the power of finding a community that values you. Best suited for ages 10 to 14, this book validates the intense feelings of early adolescence and models how to move from self loathing to self advocacy.