Books like 'Flamer'
Readers who enjoyed Flamer by Mike Curato also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary lgbtq realistic coming-of-age bullying friendship historical-fiction religion poc-mc season-summer
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Two Steps Forward: A Story of Persevering in Hope by Sharon Garlough Brown
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe spiritual journey continues for Hannah, Meg, Mara and Charissa, the characters we met in the bestselling book Sensible Shoes.feels like two steps forward and one step back. Find your own spiritual journey reflected in the lives of these women and discover the way forward... -
![Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow]()
Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city... -
![The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling (The Yada Yada Prayer Group, Book 6) by Neta Jackson]()
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling (The Yada Yada Prayer Group, Book 6) by Neta Jackson
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA devastating fire wakes up the Yadas to a new reality: God is on the move... -
![I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley]()
I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA modern classic, this whimsical story has been celebrating the beauty of African-American hair for 20 years!In this imaginative, evocative story, a girl named Keyana discovers the beauty and magic of her special hair, encouraging black children to be proud of their heritage and enhancing self-confidence... -
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![Wisteria Winds by Rachel Hanna]()
Wisteria Winds by Rachel Hanna
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThere's a hurricane heading straight for Wisteria Island...In book 2 of this popular new Lowcountry women's fiction series, the residents of Wisteria Island are in danger as a hurricane is barreling toward their beloved island... -
![The Dreamer's Flower Shoppe by Ava Miles]()
The Dreamer's Flower Shoppe by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAva Miles, author of the #1 National Bestseller The Chocolate Garden, shares another feel-good blockbuster about following your dreams no matter how impossible the odds and the power of friends and neighbors to help.Going back to the cherished days with her father in his greenhouse, Rose Fiorni always understood the power of flowers to comfort and uplift a human heart... -
![Mr. Terupt Falls Again by Rob Buyea]()
Mr. Terupt Falls Again by Rob Buyea
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe kids and teacher of Because of Mr. Terupt are back in this warm-hearted sequel.Fifth-grade was full of unforgettable events for Mr. Terupt and his class at Snow Hill School. Seven students were particularly affected by Mr. Terupt... -
![Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd]()
Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis joyous and loving celebration of family is the first-ever picture book to highlight Black nighttime hair traditions--and is perfect for every little girl who knows what it's like to lose her bonnet just before bedtime. In my family, when the sun goes down, our hair goes up!My brother slips a durag over his locs.Sis swirls her hair in a wrap around her head... -
![Because by Mo Willems]()
Because by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMo Willems, a number one New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, composes a powerful symphony of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl's journey to center stage. Illustrator Amber Ren brings Willems' music to life, conducting a stunning picture-book debut...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction poc-mc realistic book children-books contemporary -
![David Goes to School by David Shannon]()
David Goes to School by David Shannon
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsNo, David!David's teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David's high-energy antics fill each school day with trouble—and are sure to bring a smile to even the best-behaved reader... -
![Completely Clementine by Sara Pennypacker]()
Completely Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis delightful New York Times bestselling chapter book series, from the award-winning author of Pax , is a modern classic that has been keeping readers engaged and laughing as they follow the hijinks of Clementine, a clever and quirky third grader who’s the most spectacular friend around. Perfect for fans of Amelia Bedelia and Ivy + Bean!Summer is coming, and Clementine is not ready... -
![The Coach Trip by Izzy Bromley]()
The Coach Trip by Izzy Bromley
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn this heartwarming story of hope and second chances, Emma and Mel are about to discover that sometimes life is about the journey, not the destination…Classic forgetful Emma—she’s done it again, this time accidentally ruining a Valentine’s Day surprise for her best friend Mel. Desperate to make up for it, she promises Mel a birthday trip to Edinburgh—a girls’ weekend to end all girls’ weekends... -
![Julian at the Wedding by Jessica Love]()
Julian at the Wedding by Jessica Love
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe star of Julián Is a Mermaid makes a joyful return--and finds a new friend--at a wedding to be remembered. Julián and his abuela are attending a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding along with his cousin Marisol... -
![Clementine and the Family Meeting by Sara Pennypacker]()
Clementine and the Family Meeting by Sara Pennypacker
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis New York Times bestselling chapter book series has been keeping readers engaged and laughing for more than a decade with over one million copies sold! Clementine's having a nervous breakdown. The FAMILY MEETING! sign is up in her house, and she just knows she's in trouble for something... -
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![Pumpkin by Julie Murphy]()
Pumpkin by Julie Murphy
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWaylon Russell Brewer is a fat, openly gay boy stuck in the small West Texas town of Clover City. His plan is to bide his time until he can graduate, move to Austin with his twin sister, Clementine, and finally go Full Waylon, so that he can live his Julie-the-hills-are-alive-with-the-sound-of-music-Andrews truth... -
![Dreaming About the Boy Next Door by Sarah Sutton]()
Dreaming About the Boy Next Door by Sarah Sutton
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIs being voted Most Likely To: Never Have Their First Kiss by the popular crowd at school the end of the world? Probably not, but I’m still not convinced.Does it mean that I have to find someone to kiss to ditch myself of the label? No, but I do it anyway.Is choosing my best friend’s twin brother as my first kiss the best choice? Ha, not in the slightest... -
![My Lame Life: Queen of the Misfits by Jen Mann]()
My Lame Life: Queen of the Misfits by Jen Mann
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Jen Mann has written a hilarious and heartwarming story for fans of Meg Cabot and Rainbow Rowell. My name is Plum Parrish, I'm fourteen, and I'm pretty sure I'm invisible. Not like super power invisible, more like loser invisible. There's a big difference... -
![3 stepbrothers by Animallover55]()
3 stepbrothers by Animallover55
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTori lived with her dad and little sister. She never expected to have a stepmother, much less a stepbrother. But whats worse is not only one stepbrother, not two either. No three stepbrothers. But it gets worse, the three boys just happen to be the three triplet sport stars of the school. The same three boys that have gone out with nearly all those girls that wear short short skirts... -
![My Maddy by Gayle E. Pitman]()
My Maddy by Gayle E. Pitman
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA child celebrates her Maddy, who is neither mommy nor daddy but a little bit of both, like so many things in nature. Includes note to parents... -
![Tonight We Rule the World by Zack Smedley]()
Tonight We Rule the World by Zack Smedley
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIncludes an exclusive reader's guide from Zack SmedleyFrom the critically acclaimed author of Deposing Nathan comes an explosive examination of identity, voice, and the indelible ways our stories are rewritten by others.In the beginning, Owen’s story was blank . . . then he was befriended by Lily, the aspiring author who helped him find his voice... -
![Tremendous Things by Susin Nielsen]()
Tremendous Things by Susin Nielsen
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA funny and heartfelt story about learning how to rise above your most embarrassing moment while staying true to yourself--with the help of old friends, new friends, and some cheesy poetry.At the start of ninth grade, Wilbur Nuez-Knopf is hoping for a fresh start. But he just can't live down a deeply humiliating moment from two years ago that's followed him to high school... -
![Henry Hamlet's Heart by Rhiannon Wilde]()
Henry Hamlet's Heart by Rhiannon Wilde
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA sparkling queer YA romance set in Brisbane, Henry Hamlet’s Heart follows one guy and his sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking journey to love.Henry Hamlet doesn’t know what he wants after school ends. It’s his last semester of year twelve and all he’s sure of is his uncanny ability to make situations awkward. Luckily, he can always hide behind his enigmatic best friend, Len... -
![Fred Gets Dressed by Peter Brown]()
Fred Gets Dressed by Peter Brown
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom a New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott-honor winning artist comes an exuberant illustrated story about playing dress up, having fun, and feeling free.The boy loves to be naked. He romps around his house naked and wild and free. Until he romps into his parents' closet and is inspired to get dressed. First he tries on his dad's clothes, but they don't fit well... -
![On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety by Michael Kroft]()
On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety by Michael Kroft
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOnce an amusing extrovert with a reputation as a prankster, Mr. Rosen is entering his retirement years as a stoic thirty-year converted introvert who has no interest in people, despises change, and is more than content to have his wife navigate his life... -
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![The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill]()
The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsOh, would that all bullying problems could be solved so easily! Mean Jean is the reigning Recess Queen, pushing and smooshing, hammering and slammering the other kids whenever they cross her. And then one day a puny new girl shows up on the playground and catches Mean Jean completely off-guard... -
![The Losers Club by Andrew Clements]()
The Losers Club by Andrew Clements
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe beloved New York Times bestselling author of the modern classic Frindle celebrates books and the joy of reading with a new school story to love!Sixth grader Alec can't put a good book down. So when Principal Vance lays down the law--pay attention in class, or else--Alec takes action. He can't lose all his reading time, so he starts a club. A club he intends to be the only member of... -
![Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks, Gita Varadarajan]()
Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks, Gita Varadarajan
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsJoe and Ravi might be from very different places, but they're both stuck in the same place: SCHOOL.Joe's lived in the same town all his life, and was doing just fine until his best friends moved away and left him on his own. Ravi's family just moved to America from India, and he's finding it pretty hard to figure out where he fits in... -
![A Time to Dance by Michelle Stimpson]()
A Time to Dance by Michelle Stimpson
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMama B thought her life would return to normal, but when her nephew, Derrick, comes knocking on her door, she has to reconsider. Though she's not known for housing marital fugitives, she realizes Derrick is looking for more than a place to stay; he needs help finding his way back to God... -
![Caitlin's Lucky Charm by Lisa Schroeder]()
Caitlin's Lucky Charm by Lisa Schroeder
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFour best friends, one lucky bracelet, and an utterly charming new middle-grade series!Caitlin would stay at summer camp forever if she could. Her new best friends in the world, Hannah, Mia, and Libby are there... -
![Julia's Kitchen by Brenda A. Ferber]()
Julia's Kitchen by Brenda A. Ferber
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCara Segal is a born worrier. She figures her worrying works like a whisper in God's ear - if Cara's concerned about car crashes, kidnappings, or murders, she lets God know, and he always spares her. But Cara never thought to worry about a fire. And one night while she's sleeping at a friend's house, her house catches fire, and her mother and younger sister are both killed... -
![If The Broom Fits (Love in Fenton County) by Sarah Sutton]()
If The Broom Fits (Love in Fenton County) by Sarah Sutton
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBlaire has a bad attitude. At least that’s what everyone tells her. It could be because it’s days before Halloween, literally the worst holiday on the entire planet. And it doesn’t help that her super-hot ex-boyfriend, Lucas, is determined to convince her otherwise by making her take part in “festive activities... -
![Falling for Korea by Piper Jean]()
Falling for Korea by Piper Jean
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAmerica meets K-drama in this rollercoaster plot with a fresh take on romance and what it means to be family.When Sydney is sent to Seoul to live with a family she’s never met, she encounters unexpected chemistry with their son, but must fight to unravel the mystery of why she was sent away... -
![Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle by Hilda Eunice Burgos]()
Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle by Hilda Eunice Burgos
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHer last name may mean "kings," but Ana Maria Reyes REALLY does not live in a castle. Rather, she's stuck in a tiny apartment with two parents (way too lovey-dovey), three sisters (way too dramatic), everyone's friends (way too often), and a piano (which she never gets to practice). And when her parents announce a new baby is coming, that means they'll have even less time for Ana Maria... -
![Starla Jean: Which Came First: The Chicken or the Friendship? by Elana K. Arnold]()
Starla Jean: Which Came First: The Chicken or the Friendship? by Elana K. Arnold
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPrintz Honor winner and National Book Award Finalist Elana K. Arnold makes her chapter book debut with this charming story of a girl and her chicken, irresistibly illustrated by A. N. Kang.Introducing Starla Jean!She's full of moxie, clever as a fox, and obsessed with catching a chicken she finds at the park... -
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![Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey]()
Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA beginning chapter book series based on the award-winning picture book A Friend for Henry.Henry likes Classroom Ten. He likes how it is always the same. But this week, Henry's class will have a parade, and a parade means having Share Time on the wrong day. A parade means playing instruments that are too loud. A parade means this week is not like always... -
![Your Corner Dark by Desmond Hall]()
Your Corner Dark by Desmond Hall
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAmerican Street meets Long Way Down in this searing and gritty debut novel that takes an unflinching look at the harsh realities of gang life in Jamaica and how far a teen is willing to go for family.Things can change in a second:The second Frankie Green gets that scholarship letter, he has his ticket out of Jamaica.The second his longtime crush, Leah, asks him on a date, he’s in trouble... -
![Heartmates by Marcus Herzig]()
Heartmates by Marcus Herzig
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAs childhood friends, Lars and Connor were inseparable. Now, in the social gauntlet of high school, neither boy can even muster a single word to the other. When Connor enters a romantic relationship with Jaden-Dominic Choi, the hottest social influencer in school, a barely healed wound is torn wide open again... -
![The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others by Bob Sornson, Maria Dismondy]()
The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others by Bob Sornson, Maria Dismondy
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHave you ever seen a bully in action and done nothing about it? The kids at Pete's new school get involved, instead of being bystanders. When Pete begins to behave badly, his classmates teach him about "The Promise"...Categorized as:
realistic bullying children friendship children-books fiction psychological contemporary -
![Like Bug Juice on a Burger by Julie Sternberg]()
Like Bug Juice on a Burger by Julie Sternberg
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI hate camp. I just hate it. I wish I didn’t. But I do. Being here is worse than bug juice on a burger. Or homework on Thanksgiving. Or water seeping into my shoes. In this sequel to the critically acclaimed Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie, Eleanor is off to summer camp... -
![Pottymouth and Stoopid by James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein]()
Pottymouth and Stoopid by James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBestselling author James Patterson's best book for boys in years! Tired of being bullied, middle-school underdogs "Pottymouth" and "Stoopid" finally fight back with the power of funny.David and his best friend Michael were tagged with awful nicknames way back in preschool when everyone did silly things... -
![The Blue-Haired Boy by Courtney C. Stevens]()
The Blue-Haired Boy by Courtney C. Stevens
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSet before the events of Courtney C. Stevens's debut novel, Faking Normal, this digital short story focuses on Bodee Lennox, otherwise known as the Kool-Aid Kid.Bodee Lennox has secrets. About where he got the four-inch scar on his leg. About the bruises on his back. About what it's really like to live in the Lennox household. These are things he doesn't share with anyone . . -
![Jumped In by Patrick Flores-Scott]()
Jumped In by Patrick Flores-Scott
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSam has the rules of slackerhood down: Don't be late to class. Don't ever look the teacher in the eye. Develop your blank stare. Since his mom left, he has become an expert in the art of slacking, especially since no one at his new school gets his intense passion for the music of the Pacific Northwest—Nirvana, Hole, Sleater-Kinney... -
![Always, Abigail by Nancy J. Cavanaugh]()
Always, Abigail by Nancy J. Cavanaugh
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAge Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 to 7 From the award-winning author of This Journal Belongs to Ratchet , a hilarious and heartwarming story about cheerleading, popularity, and middle school survival told exclusively through lists and letters...Categorized as:
realistic family coming-of-age friendship bullying children season-summer middle-grade -
![Boy Queen by George Lester]()
Boy Queen by George Lester
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLife's a drag until you try . . .Robin Cooper’s life is falling apart.While his friends prepare to head off to university, Robin is looking at a pile of rejection letters from drama schools up and down the country, and facing a future without the people he loves the most. Everything seems like it’s ending, and Robin is scrabbling to find his feet... -
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![The Debt by Angela Elwell Hunt]()
The Debt by Angela Elwell Hunt
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAfter fleeing a painful and compromising past, Emma Rose Howard settled eagerly into the role of a pastor's wife. She and her husband, Abel, dedicated themselves to parenting a mega-church and influenced thousands of lives through its related ministries... -
![This Journal Belongs to Ratchet by Nancy J. Cavanaugh]()
This Journal Belongs to Ratchet by Nancy J. Cavanaugh
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA debut middle grade novel about a girl named Ratchet and her quest to make a friend, save a park, and find her own definition of normal. Ratchet tells her story through the assignments in her homeschool journal.If only getting a new life were as easy as getting a new notebook.But it's not.It's the first day of school for all the kids in the neighborhood. But not for me. I'm homeschooled... -
![Too Many Toys by David Shannon]()
Too Many Toys by David Shannon
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSpencer has too many toys! His father trips over them, his mother falls over them, and the house is overflowing with junk. Now it's time to give some of the mountain of goodies away, but Spencer finds it hard... -
![Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes]()
Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsGarvey’s father has always wanted Garvey to be athletic, but Garvey is interested in astronomy, science fiction, reading—anything but sports. Feeling like a failure, he comforts himself with food. Garvey is kind, funny, smart, a loyal friend, and he is also overweight, teased by bullies, and lonely. When his only friend encourages him to join the school chorus, Garvey’s life changes... -
![Alexis and the Perfect Recipe by Coco Simon, Elizabeth Doyle Carey]()
Alexis and the Perfect Recipe by Coco Simon, Elizabeth Doyle Carey
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe fourth book in Spotlight's fun and delicious tween series is told from the perspective of Alexis, the most organized member of the Cupcake Club...Categorized as:
realistic friendship coming-of-age children humor middle-grade fiction children-books -
![Katie, Batter Up! by Coco Simon]()
Katie, Batter Up! by Coco Simon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA sporty addition to a sweet tween series that’s all about friendship—and cupcakes, of course!Katie’s Cupcake Club friends all have other activities besides making Mia and Alexis are on the soccer team and Emma plays the flute. Katie sets out to find her extracurricular niche and soon she’s dribbling, passing, and catching...Categorized as:
realistic children friendship religion middle-grade children-books fiction contemporary
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