Families who loved The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager feels like the black sheep of a high-achieving family or is struggling with negative body image and self-esteem. Virginia Shreves lives in the shadow of her seemingly perfect, thin, and successful parents and siblings. The story follows her journey of self-discovery as she navigates her first physical relationship, a family scandal involving her brother, and the realization that her worth is not defined by her weight or her family's expectations. This is a candid, humorous, and sometimes raw look at the teenage experience. It deals with sensitive topics like sexual assault and family dysfunction with a realistic lens. While the protagonist is fifteen, the themes of identity and standing up for oneself make it a powerful choice for older teens who are beginning to question the pressures of their social and domestic environments.
