Families who loved This Journal Belongs to Ratchet by Nancy J. Cavanaugh 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 feels like they do not fit the typical mold or is struggling to find their tribe at school. It is particularly resonant for girls who have unique hobbies, such as mechanics or environmental activism, and for children navigating the complexities of a single parent household where a mother is absent. This novel, written as a series of language arts assignments and journal entries, follows eleven year old Ratchet as she balances her love for fixing engines with her deep desire to be a normal kid with real friends. The story beautifully handles themes of self discovery and the definition of family. It validates the frustration of feeling different while celebrating the courage it takes to be oneself. Parents will appreciate the respectful but honest portrayal of the tension between a child's need for independence and a parent's unconventional lifestyle. It is a gentle, realistic look at growing up and finding a sense of belonging without losing your spark.
