Families who loved The Tulip Touch by Anne Fine 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 caught in the orbit of a charismatic but destructive peer and is struggling to see where loyalty ends and self-preservation begins. It tells the story of Natalie, who is drawn to the unpredictable Tulip, a girl whose imaginative games mask a deep, unsettling darkness. As the pranks move from cheeky to dangerous, Natalie must navigate the painful process of disentangling her identity from a toxic influence. This is a profound exploration of empathy, peer pressure, and the realization that we cannot always save those who are hurting. It is best suited for mature middle schoolers who are ready to discuss the complexities of social dynamics and household neglect.