Families who loved Zack by William Bell 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 teenager begins questioning the gaps in their family tree or struggling to bridge two distinct cultural identities. Zack is a biracial teenager who feels a deep connection to his father's Jewish heritage but realizes he knows almost nothing about his mother's African American roots. Driven by a school history project and a need for wholeness, he sets out on a solo, unauthorized journey to find the grandfather he has never met. This story provides a nuanced look at the complexities of multiracial identity and the courage required to confront family secrets. It is an excellent choice for 12 to 16 year olds navigating the transition from childhood curiosity to a mature understanding of their place in the world. Parents will find it opens a natural door for conversations about heritage, the impact of prejudice, and the importance of knowing one's full story.