Families who loved Virals by Kathy Reichs 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 middle schooler is feeling like a social outlier or struggling to find their tribe. It is a perfect fit for the child who prefers logic and science over typical social hierarchies but still deeply craves a loyal group of friends to call their own. The story follows fourteen year old Tory Brennan and her friends as they are accidentally exposed to an experimental virus that grants them heightened, wolf like senses. They must learn to control these new physical changes while investigating a decades old cold case and a modern day murder. While the plot is a high stakes mystery, the emotional heart of the book is about the power of a chosen family. It explores themes of loyalty, shared secrets, and the transition from childhood play to adult responsibilities. Given the intense situations and some depictions of violence, it is best suited for mature readers aged 11 to 15 who enjoy a fast paced thriller with a touch of science fiction.