Families who loved What Makes You Happy by Jimmy Gownley 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 navigating the messy, confusing middle ground of elementary school, especially if they are processing a major life change like a parental divorce. Through the eyes of nine year old Amelia Louise McBride, the story explores the bittersweet reality that life can be both hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time. It is an excellent choice for kids who feel like outsiders or those struggling to find their footing in a new environment. While the book touches on themes of separation and social anxiety, it maintains a resilient and humorous tone. Amelia's relationship with her ex-rock star aunt Tanner provides a unique model of a supportive, unconventional adult mentor. It is a realistic, secular look at growing up that validates a child's complex feelings without being overly heavy or moralizing.