Families who loved The Swift Boys & Me by Kody Keplinger 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 child is struggling with the changing dynamics of a friendship or witnessing a friend's family go through a difficult transition. It is particularly helpful for children who feel sidelined or 'pushed away' by someone they care about who is grieving or in crisis. The story follows Nola, whose lifelong friendship with the three Swift brothers is tested when their father unexpectedly abandons the family. While the plot centers on a family crisis, the core emotional theme is about the evolution of childhood bonds and the realization that you cannot always 'fix' a friend's pain. Nola deals with feelings of loneliness and exclusion, making this a realistic and validating read for the 8 to 12 age range. It provides a comforting roadmap for kids to understand that while friendships change, new ways of connecting are always possible.