Families who loved Where the Kissing Never Stops by Ron Koertge often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the intersection of private grief and public embarrassment, particularly regarding a parent's unconventional lifestyle choices. It speaks to the complex moment when a teen realizes their parent is a fallible, separate person with their own needs and secrets. The story follows high school junior Walker as he navigates the recent death of his father and the shocking discovery that his mother has taken a job as a stripper to keep them afloat. While the premise is provocative, the core of the book is a sensitive, often humorous exploration of resilience, the awkwardness of new romance, and the process of forgiving those we love for being human. It is best suited for older teens (14+) due to its frank discussions of sexuality and the mother's profession.