Families who loved The Taker by J. M. Steele often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent should reach for this book when their teenager is buckling under the intense pressure of academic achievement and college admissions. It is a vital resource for starting conversations about the seductive nature of shortcuts and the long-term cost of sacrificing one's integrity for a high test score. The story follows Carly, a bright student who enters into a dangerous secret pact to have a professional taker sit for her SATs. While the plot reads like a high-stakes thriller, the emotional core deals with the crippling anxiety of competition and the shame of living a double life. It is highly appropriate for high schoolers who feel that their entire future hinges on a single number. Parents can use this to discuss how to manage expectations and why a person's character matters more than their resume.