Books like 'Act'
Readers who enjoyed Act by Kayla Miller also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary realistic friendship children politics social-commentary coming-of-age humor poc-mc
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Big by Vashti Harrison
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance.The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal...Categorized as:
realistic children poc-mc social-commentary children-books fiction mental-illness contemporary -
![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...Categorized as:
realistic children poc-mc friendship social-commentary children-books family fiction -
![Saving Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea]()
Saving Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe kids and their favorite teacher from Because of Mr. Terupt and Mr. Terupt Falls Again return for a third book in the funny, warmhearted series for fans of Wonder. Seventh grade was going to be awesome. The only thing missing was Mr. Terupt.The kids from Mr. Terupt’s fifth- and sixth-grade classes are entering their first year of junior high school... -
![Blood Is Thicker by Paul Langan, D.M. Blackwell]()
Blood Is Thicker by Paul Langan, D.M. Blackwell
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHakeem Randall can't take it anymore. First he learns that his father is sick and that his parents can no longer afford their home. Then he finds out he has to leave his friends at Bluford High and move in with his uncle in faraway Detroit--where he has to share a bedroom with his moody, secretive cousin Savon... -
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![Ban This Book by Alan Gratz]()
Ban This Book by Alan Gratz
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 20 ratings-Readers, librarians, and all those books that have drawn a challenge have a brand new hero.... Stand up and cheer, book lovers. This one's for you... -
![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... -
![No Way Out by Peggy Kern]()
No Way Out by Peggy Kern
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBluford High freshman Harold Davis is trapped. Medical bills for his sick grandmother are piling up, and a social worker has threatened to put him in a foster home. Desperate for money, he reluctantly agrees to work for Londell James, a neighborhood drug dealer. The choice leads him into a world of dangerous streets where no one is safe... -
![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... -
![Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio, LeUyen Pham]()
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio, LeUyen Pham
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA fresh, fun, and "thought-provoking" New York Times bestseller about the American electoral college and why every vote counts from bestselling and award-winning duo Kelly DiPucchio and LeUyen Pham... -
![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... -
![Don't Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller]()
Don't Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAn entertaining picture book that teaches the importance of asking for permission first as a young girl attempts to escape the curious hands that want to touch her hair.It seems that wherever Aria goes, someone wants to touch her hair. In the street, strangers reach for her fluffy curls; and even under the sea, in the jungle, and in space, she's chased by a mermaid, monkeys, and poked by aliens... -
![The Blur by Minh Lê]()
The Blur by Minh Lê
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMeet a child with superhero-like abilities . . . and the parents who are racing to keep up with her in this sweetly funny picturebook about the blur of childhood, from the award-winning creators of Drawn Together.From the very beginning, there was something different about this child...An ultrasonic voice. Fantastically elastic limbs. Super-magnetic powers... -
![Sevgili Salak Günlük Ikinci Yil by Jim Benton]()
Sevgili Salak Günlük Ikinci Yil by Jim Benton
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBestselling author Jim Benton is back, with a brand-new spin on a favorite series!Dear Dumb Diary is a hilarious hit! Now after 12 books (each covering a month of her life), Jamie Kelly's upcoming diaries have a fresh look and a fun twist. It's Dear Dumb Diary: Year Two! The diary entries are still laugh-out-loud funny -- but this is a whole new beginning... -
![Madame President by Nancy E. Krulik]()
Madame President by Nancy E. Krulik
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBest-selling author Nancy Krulik delves into the mind of a twelve-year-old girl trying to survive middle school.Jenny McAfee never thought of herself as a leader, but then again, Jenny had also never thought that her best friend, Addie Wilson, would ditch her for the Pops-- the most popular kids in school...Categorized as:
children friendship realistic children-books contemporary fiction middle-grade womens-fiction -
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![I Promise by LeBron James]()
I Promise by LeBron James
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNBA champion and superstar LeBron James pens a slam-dunk picture book inspired by his foundation’s I PROMISE program that motivates children everywhere to always #StriveForGreatness.Just a kid from Akron, Ohio, who is dedicated to uplifting youth everywhere, LeBron James knows the key to a better future is to excel in school, do your best, and keep your family close...Categorized as:
children poc-mc social-commentary realistic friendship children-books fiction sports -
![Katie and the Cupcake Cure by Coco Simon]()
Katie and the Cupcake Cure by Coco Simon
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis first book in The Cupcake Diaries is told through the perspective of Katie Brown. We find Katie miserable on the first day of middle school. Her best friend Callie came back from camp boy-crazy and part of a whole new group of friends. When it's made clear that Callie is in the PGC (Popular Girls Club) and Katie is not invited to join, Katie suddenly feels incredibly alone...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age friendship humor realistic children-books contemporary culinary -
![Doomed to Dance by Annie Barrows]()
Doomed to Dance by Annie Barrows
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFinally! After begging their parents for ballet lessons, Ivy and Bean finally get what they want...well, not exactly. Much to their surprise, it turns out ballet lessons do not include karate chops and roundhouse kicks to the villain's heart... -
![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...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age friendship humor realistic audiobook children-books contemporary -
![Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill]()
Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMolly and her mom don't always have enough food, so one Saturday they visit their local food pantry. Molly's happy to get food to eat until she sees her classmate Caitlin, who's embarrassed to be at the food pantry...Categorized as:
realistic social-commentary friendship children poc-mc children-books family poverty -
![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... -
![It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! by Nicole Chen]()
It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! by Nicole Chen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPerfect for fans of Kelly Yang and Jessica Kim, this joyful, moving middle grade contemporary follows a big-hearted Taiwanese American girl as she aims to gain her family’s acceptance and save her favorite boba tea shop by selling her handcrafted amigurumi dolls...Categorized as:
realistic coming-of-age children poc-mc friendship middle-grade contemporary fiction -
![Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields]()
Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA young biracial girl looks around her world for her color. She finally chooses her own, and creates a new word for herself—honeysmoke.For multiracial children, and all children everywhere, this picture book offers a universal message that empowers young people to create their own self-identity...Categorized as:
realistic social-commentary children poc-mc children-books family fiction contemporary -
![Sprinkles and Secrets by Lisa Schroeder, Nathalie Dion]()
Sprinkles and Secrets by Lisa Schroeder, Nathalie Dion
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn this companion novel to It's Raining Cupcakes, twelve-year-old Sophie has a dream come true when she's offered a TV commercial spot...Categorized as:
children friendship realistic children-books contemporary fiction middle-grade young-adult -
![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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![Making Waves by Randi Reisfeld, H.B. Gilmour]()
Making Waves by Randi Reisfeld, H.B. Gilmour
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCandy Apple is a fresh, fun take on fiction for girls: a new line of single titles with pep and pizzazz targeted at the solid middle-grade reader. This summer super special includes a sparkly add-on!Emily, Jenna, and LJ have been a trio forever... -
![Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper]()
Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratings"Are you willing to do anything to help your slimy pledge brothers become Distinguished Gentlemen?" Sharp demanded. "Anything, sir," Jericho said. He just wanted it to be over."Then suck my big toe.""Sir?" Jericho wasn't sure if he had heard correctly....When Jericho is invited to pledge for the Warriors of Distinction, he thinks his life can't get any better... -
![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...Categorized as:
children friendship humor realistic social-commentary bullying children-books contemporary -
![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...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age friendship humor poc-mc realistic social-commentary audiobook -
![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... -
![Turning the Page by Katrina Abbott]()
Turning the Page by Katrina Abbott
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCelia Thomas should be living a charmed life; as the niece of Hollywood's current it guy, whose whole family is on the payroll, she doesn't have to worry about money or future job prospects. Except maybe she doesn't want to go into the family business... -
![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... -
![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...Categorized as:
realistic children friendship humor fiction children-books disability mental-illness -
![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 children friendship children-books fiction bullying psychological contemporary -
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![Holy Enchilada! by Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver]()
Holy Enchilada! by Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPS 87 is having multicultural week, and Ms. Adolf's class is putting on a "Foods from Around the World" luncheon. Hank is thrilled&150no reading, no outlining, and no review questions, just cooking! Hank makes enchiladas, and at the luncheon, Ms. Adolf piles her plate with lots of food. But after a few bites, her face turns bright red&150one of the dishes is super-spicy! Ms... -
![Accidentally Fooled by Lisa Papademetriou]()
Accidentally Fooled by Lisa Papademetriou
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSeventh grader Amy Flowers is finally making her mark at ultra-exclusive Allington Academy, but there's always one thing standing in her way: the League. They rule the school, and their queen is oh-so-mean Fiona, who doesn't exactly appreciate a new girl invading her turf. This time, Amy's stuck working on a service project with Fiona and preppie know-it-all Preston... -
![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...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age friendship humor realistic animals children-books contemporary -
![Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko Florence, Elizabet Vukovic]()
Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko Florence, Elizabet Vukovic
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is a flamingo fan, tree climber, and top-notch mess-maker!She's also tired of her big sister, Sophie, always getting to do things first. For once, Jasmine wishes SHE could do something before Sophie--something special, something different... -
![Permanent Rose by Hilary McKay]()
Permanent Rose by Hilary McKay
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt's a long hot, never-ending summer, with no letters for Rose. No phone calls, no messages, nothing at all.Rose is determined to find Tom in New York... -
![Property of the Rebel Librarian by Allison Varnes]()
Property of the Rebel Librarian by Allison Varnes
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen twelve-year-old June Harper's parents discover what they deem an inappropriate library book, they take strict parenting to a whole new level. And everything June loves about Dogwood Middle School unravels: librarian Ms. Bradshaw is suspended, an author appearance is canceled, the library is gutted, and all books on the premises must have administrative approval. But June can't give up books...Categorized as:
realistic children friendship coming-of-age humor social-commentary middle-grade fiction -
![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... -
![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 middle-grade children-books fiction contemporary religion -
![Mia's Baker's Dozen by Coco Simon]()
Mia's Baker's Dozen by Coco Simon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMia finds that one more in the mix is always better in this treat of a tween series!Mia is getting used to her new family now that her mom is remarried to Eddie and she’s gained a new stepbrother, Dan. She’s in the groove of going to her dad’s house on the weekends, and everything is going pretty well at home and at school. Well, except for Spanish class...Categorized as:
realistic children friendship middle-grade children-books fiction contemporary female-mc -
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![Emma All Stirred Up! by Coco Simon]()
Emma All Stirred Up! by Coco Simon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEmma needs a break from big-sister duty in this addition to Spotlight’s treat of a tween series.Emma is not thrilled with always having to rearrange her schedule so she can babysit her younger brother, Jake... -
![Double Feature by Julia DeVillers, Jennifer Roy]()
Double Feature by Julia DeVillers, Jennifer Roy
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPayton and Emma are headed for celebrity status in this L.A. adventure!They’ve had their share of identical antics in the past, but the stage is set for drama of the best kind as the twins set out to conquer Hollywood! It’s bright lights, swimming pools, and movie stars all the way...Categorized as:
realistic humor children friendship middle-grade children-books fiction womens-fiction -
![How to Be a Girly Girl in Just Ten Days by Lisa Papademetriou]()
How to Be a Girly Girl in Just Ten Days by Lisa Papademetriou
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA magazine-article makeover gives middle-school tomboy Nick a brand new look. But can she be a "girly-girl" and still be true to herself?Nicolette Spicer ("Nick" to her friends) is a tomboy through and through. While her friends focus on shopping and lip gloss, Nick would rather buy new basketball shoes and practice her free throw... -
![The Secret Identity of Devon Delaney by Lauren Barnholdt]()
The Secret Identity of Devon Delaney by Lauren Barnholdt
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMom says karma always comes around to get you, and I guess it's true. Because last summer I was a total liar, and now, right in the middle of Mr. Pritchard's third-period math class, my whole world is about to come crashing down... -
![Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan]()
Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsRubina has been invited to her first birthday party, and her mother, Ami, insists that she bring her little sister along. Rubina is mortified, but she can't convince Ami that you just don't bring your younger sister to your friend's party. So both girls go, and not only does Sana demand to win every game, but after the party she steals Rubina's prized party favor, a red lollipop...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age friendship humor poc-mc realistic children-books contemporary -
![The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang]()
The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA humorous and heartwarming debut about split cultural identities, and all the ways life fails to go according to plan for sixth-grader Lucy Wu.Lucy Wu, aspiring basketball star and interior designer, is on the verge of having the best year of her life...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age friendship humor poc-mc realistic children-books contemporary
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