Families who loved The Manifesto on How to Be Interesting by Holly Bourne 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 if your teenager is struggling with the relentless pressure of digital perfection or feels like an invisible outsider at school. Holly Bourne delivers a sharp, unflinching look at Bree, a girl who decides to treat 'popularity' like a scientific experiment to prove how shallow and manufactured it really is. As Bree transforms her image, she finds herself seduced by the very system she intended to dismantle, leading to a profound crisis of self. This story speaks directly to the modern adolescent experience of curated identities and the anxiety of trying to fit in while wanting to be special. It is a raw and honest choice for older teens, ages 14 and up, who are navigating the complex intersection of social media, mental health, and the search for authentic belonging. Parents might choose this to open a dialogue about the emotional cost of social status and the importance of valuing one's true voice over an online persona.
