Families who loved The Forgotten by K. A. Applegate 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 middle-grade reader is craving a high-stakes adventure that balances the excitement of superpowers with the heavy weight of real-world responsibility. While the 'cool factor' of turning into animals is the initial draw, the story speaks to children who are beginning to navigate the complexities of duty and the realization that doing the right thing often requires immense courage and personal sacrifice. In this seventh installment of the series, the group of five teenagers continues their secret war against an invisible alien invasion. The narrative focuses on Rachel as the group finds themselves stranded in a dangerous, unfamiliar environment. The story explores themes of leadership, the ethics of war, and the bond of friendship under extreme pressure. It is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that respects a child's ability to handle darker, more sophisticated themes of conflict and survival while remaining firmly grounded in the relatable dynamics of a group of friends.