Families who loved The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson 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 teenager is struggling to find their place after a major life transition, such as moving to a new school or country. It is especially resonant for students who feel like outsiders or who are grappling with the pressure to fit in while discovering they have unique, perhaps even daunting, talents. Rory, an American girl at a London boarding school, finds herself the only witness to a series of murders that mimic Jack the Ripper. The story explores themes of isolation and the bravery required to trust one's own perceptions when others do not believe you. While the premise is a supernatural thriller, it provides a grounded look at the anxiety of being 'the new kid.' Parents should note that while the tone is often witty and humorous, the murders are based on historical crimes and contain moments of genuine suspense and peril suitable for mature middle schoolers and high school students.