Families who loved Kenzie Kickstarts a Team by Kit Rosewater 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 is navigating the shift from a 'duo' to a 'group' and is struggling with the jealousy or fear of being replaced that often follows. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels protective of their best friend and is hesitant to open their circle to newcomers. Kenzie and Shelly have always been a pair, but when they join a junior roller derby league, they are forced to recruit teammates. The story explores the messy reality of leadership, the growing pains of evolving friendships, and the importance of seeing others for their unique strengths rather than just their utility. Parents will appreciate the healthy modeling of communication and the high-energy, inclusive world of derby. It is perfectly pitched for middle-grade readers aged 8 to 12 who are discovering their own voices within a community.