Families who loved You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P! by Alex Gino 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 starting to notice social injustices or when they have good intentions but struggle to understand why their words or actions might still hurt others. It is a vital resource for navigating the transition from being a nice person to being an actively conscious and accountable friend. The story follows Jilly, a white, hearing girl whose world expands when her baby sister is born Deaf and she befriends Derek, a Black, Deaf teen online. Through Jilly's mistakes and learning curves, the book explores complex themes of systemic racism, ableism, and the importance of listening over assuming. It is perfectly pitched for the middle-grade years, providing a realistic roadmap for how to apologize sincerely and how to support marginalized communities without making it about yourself. It is a masterclass in empathy that encourages children to embrace the discomfort of learning.
