Families who loved The Ivy by Lauren Kunze often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the high-stakes pressure of a major academic transition or struggling with the 'imposter syndrome' that often accompanies elite environments. While the plot follows Callie's freshman year at Harvard, the heart of the story deals with finding your own voice amidst a sea of competitive peers and social hierarchies. It explores themes of belonging, the complexity of female friendships, and the temptation to reinvent oneself to fit in. Parents should be aware that the book contains mature social situations including romance, partying, and social sabotage, making it best suited for older teens aged 14 and up who are preparing for the social and emotional realities of college life.