Families who loved The Lines We Cross by Randa Abdel-Fattah 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 begins to push back against family traditions or political beliefs, or when a teen is struggling to navigate a friendship with someone from a vastly different background. It is a powerful tool for families discussing how to balance loyalty to one's parents with the development of an independent moral compass. The story follows Michael, whose parents lead an anti-immigration group, and Mina, a brilliant refugee from Afghanistan. As they fall for each other, Michael must reconcile his affection for his family with the growing realization that their worldview is built on prejudice. It is best suited for ages 13 and up due to mature themes of racism, political protest, and social justice. Parents will appreciate how it models the difficult but necessary process of unlearning bias and finding the courage to speak up against those we love.