Books like 'What Makes Us'
Readers who enjoyed What Makes Us by Rafi Mittlefehldt also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary realistic politics social-commentary coming-of-age family religion poc-mc male-mc
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Crank Trilogy by Ellen Hopkins
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe heart-wrenching bestselling Crank trilogy shows that addiction is never just one person’s problem. Crank Kristina is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. Then she meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild ride turns into a struggle for her mind, her soul—her life. Glass Crank. Glass. Ice. Crystal... -
![When Aidan Became A Brother by Kyle Lukoff]()
When Aidan Became A Brother by Kyle Lukoff
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name, his room looked like a girl's room, and he wore clothes that other girls liked wearing. After he realized he was a trans boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of life that didn't fit anymore, and he settled happily into his new life... -
![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 family poc-mc social-commentary children-books fiction children contemporary -
![Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldivar]()
Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldivar
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA queer YA coming-of-age set during the rigged Honduran presidential election, about a young poet discovering the courage it takes to speak her truth about the people and country she loves.As the contentious 2017 presidential election looms and protests rage across every corner of the city, life in Tegucigalpa, Honduras churns louder and faster...Categorized as:
coming-of-age realistic politics social-commentary family poc-mc young-adult contemporary -
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![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... -
![Always by Blue Saffire]()
Always by Blue Saffire
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings**Warning: This title is a re-release of Blue's website exclusive Never. It's been totally rewritten with over 116 pages of new content.***Award winning, Bestselling, Author Blue Saffire presentsAlwaysKingShe’s been wanting in my bed for a long, long time. I should’ve shut that shit all the way down, but I’ve been flirting with Misty for years... -
![Bronxwood by Coe Booth]()
Bronxwood by Coe Booth
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe acclaimed author of TYRELL and KENDRA returns to PUSH to continue Tyrell's astonishing story. Tyrell's father is just out of jail, and Tyrell doesn't know how to deal with that. It's bad enough that his brother Troy is in foster care and that his mother is no help whatsoever. Now there's another thing up in his face, just when he's trying to settle down... -
![Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho]()
Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different from his peers' after seeing his friend’s drawing of them. After talking to his father, the boy realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before—in fact, his eyes are like his father’s, his agong’s, and his little brother’s, and they are visionary... -
![অপেক্ষা by Humayun Ahmed]()
অপেক্ষা by Humayun Ahmed
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsমানুষের জীবন কি চক্রের মত? চক্রের কোন শুরু নেই, শেষ নেই। মানব জীবনও কি তাই? রহস্যময় চক্রের ভেতর এই জীবন ঘুরপাক খেতে থাকে? শুরু নেই, শেষ নেই। চক্র ঘুরছে।এই চক্রের ভেতরে ঘুরপাক খেতে খেতে অপেক্ষা করে কেউ কেউ। কিংবা সকলেই কিসের... -
![Today. Tomorrow. Always by Raven St. Pierre]()
Today. Tomorrow. Always by Raven St. Pierre
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEvents and decisions of the past almost cost her everything, but she was given a second chance. He marvels at the beautiful life he almost missed out on, vowing never to let anything come between them again. The memory of being apart lingers with both Sam and AJ, but those days are long gone... -
![All The Colours In Between by Eva Jordan]()
All The Colours In Between by Eva Jordan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEva Jordan's much-anticipated follow up to the bestselling 183 Times a Year It's not a life, it's an adventure! Lizzie is fast approaching 50. Her once angst ridden teenage daughters, now grown and in their twenties, have flown the nest, Cassie to London and Maisy to Australia... -
![Trust Me by Farrah Rochon]()
Trust Me by Farrah Rochon
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTrust doesn't always come easy... As the maverick of the New Orleans City Council, Mackenna Arnold has spent the last four years dismantling the council’s “politics as usual” mentality. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mack now has her sights set on an even bigger prize: the mayor’s office. But only when the time is right... -
![Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo]()
Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn unflinching, honest novel in verse about a teenager's journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams. From the award-winning poet and author of HOME IS NOT A COUNTRY.Bad girl. No matter how hard Samira tries, she can’t shake her reputation... -
![The Life I'm In by Sharon G. Flake]()
The Life I'm In by Sharon G. Flake
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe powerful and long-anticipated companion to The Skin I'm In, Sharon Flake's bestselling modern classic, presents the unflinching story of Char, a young woman trapped in the underworld of human trafficking.My feet are heavy as stones when I walk up the block wondering why I can't find my old self... -
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![American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar]()
American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“[A] charming novel [that] explores the complexity of immigration and identity.” —Teen Vogue An Indian American girl navigates prejudice in her small town and learns the power of her own voice in this brilliant gem of a middle grade novel full of humor and heart, perfect for fans of Front Desk and Amina’s Voice... -
![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... -
![Indivisible by Daniel Aleman]()
Indivisible by Daniel Aleman
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThis timely, moving debut novel follows a teen's efforts to keep his family together as his parents face deportation.Mateo Garcia and his younger sister, Sophie, have been taught to fear one word for as long as they can remember: deportation. Over the past few years, however, the fear that their undocumented immigrant parents could be sent back to Mexico started to fade...Categorized as:
realistic family poc-mc coming-of-age social-commentary urban new-york-state romance -
![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... -
![Jaded by Monica McKayhan]()
Jaded by Monica McKayhan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat Jade Morgan wants: for her parents to get back together. Instead her dad proposes to his new girlfriend, who has the nerve to ask Jade to be a bridesmaid. Like that'll ever happen. Her new boyfriend, Terrence, thinks she should give her future stepmom a chance, try to get to know her. Yet Jade barely knows Terrence—who is cute and cool, but is seriously hiding something... -
![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... -
![Thousand Star Hotel by Bao Phi]()
Thousand Star Hotel by Bao Phi
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThousand Star Hotel confronts the silence around racism, police brutality, and the invisibility of the Asian American urban poor.From “with thanks to Sahra Nguyen for the refugee style slogan”:They give the kids candy to bet.My daughter loses the first four rounds,she’s a quiet wire as they take her candy away, piece by piece.When she finally wins, I ask if she wants to play again...Categorized as:
poc-mc social-commentary family fiction contemporary poc-author historical-fiction book -
![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... -
![The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll): A Picture Book by Winsome Bingham]()
The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll): A Picture Book by Winsome Bingham
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom award-winning creators Winsome Bingham and E.B. Lewis, The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll) is a powerful, full-color picture book story celebrating a journey crucial to our the walk to vote—a perfect read aloud.My granny is taking me on THE WALK.“Because leaders are not born,” she says. “They’re made through molding and modeling.”“What’s the walk?” I ask.“You’ll see... -
![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 family social-commentary poc-mc children-books fiction children contemporary -
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![Imani All Mine by Connie Rose Porter]()
Imani All Mine by Connie Rose Porter
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratings"With authority and grace" (Essence), Imani All Mine tells the story of Tasha, a fourteen-year-old unwed mother of a baby girl. In her ghettoized world where poverty, racism, and danger are daily struggles, Tasha uses her savvy and humor to uncover the good hidden around her... -
![Does My Body Offend You? by Mayra Cuevas, Marie Marquardt]()
Does My Body Offend You? by Mayra Cuevas, Marie Marquardt
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA timely story of two teenagers who discover the power of friendship, feminism, and standing up for what you believe in, no matter where you come from. A collaboration between two gifted authors writing from alternating perspectives, this compelling novel shines with authenticity, courage, and humor.Malena Rosario is starting to believe that catastrophes come in threes...Categorized as:
realistic social-commentary coming-of-age poc-mc family politics romance young-adult -
![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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![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...Categorized as:
realistic family coming-of-age poc-mc middle-grade contemporary children-books fiction -
![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... -
![Kneel by Candace Buford]()
Kneel by Candace Buford
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe system is rigged.For guys like Russell Boudreaux, football is the only way out of their small town. As the team’s varsity tight end, Rus has a singular goal: to get a scholarship and play on the national stage. But when his best friend is unfairly arrested and kicked off the team, Rus faces an impossible choice: speak up or live in fear.“Please rise for the national anthem...Categorized as:
realistic social-commentary coming-of-age male-mc family poc-mc politics young-adult -
![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 . . -
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![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... -
![This Place Is Still Beautiful by XiXi Tian]()
This Place Is Still Beautiful by XiXi Tian
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwo sisters. A shocking racist incident. The summer that will change both of their lives forever. Despite having had near-identical upbringings, sisters Annalie and Margaret agree on only one thing: that they have nothing in common. Nineteen-year-old Margaret is driven, ambitious, and keenly aware of social justice issues...Categorized as:
realistic family poc-mc coming-of-age social-commentary romance contemporary young-adult -
![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... -
![This Thing of Ours by Frederick Joseph]()
This Thing of Ours by Frederick Joseph
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn instant New York Times bestseller!The powerful and timely YA novel debut from two-time New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph is a deeply heartfelt story—and a rallying cry against book banning.In an instant, Ossie Brown’s entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career... -
![The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi, Monica Arnaldo]()
The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi, Monica Arnaldo
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA sharp and heartfelt picture book about a young soccer-loving girl who’s an interpreter for her Spanish-speaking parents.Some kids have one to be a kid! Cecilia has two. When she isn't on the soccer field scoring goals, she's accompanying her parents to all kinds of grown-up places, like the DMV, the accountant's office, and the auto shop...Categorized as:
family realistic poc-mc coming-of-age children-books mental-illness fiction contemporary -
![Troubled Waters by AnnaLisa Grant]()
Troubled Waters by AnnaLisa Grant
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsCollege life for Layla Weston isn’t starting the way she’d intended. She’s revisiting the plans she once had to be the reclusive girl she wanted to be at Heyward Prep, and Layla is more than confident in her ability to succeed this time. After all, she’s got a whole new bag of secrets to keep. Still reeling from Will’s disappearance, Layla is doing her best to adjust to life back in Florida... -
![Twenty-Four Seconds from Now...A Love Story by Jason Reynolds]()
Twenty-Four Seconds from Now...A Love Story by Jason Reynolds
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsJason Reynolds tackles it—you know…it—from the guy’s perspective in this stream of consciousness story of a teen boy about to experience a huge first.Twenty-four months ago: Neon gets chased by a dog all around the parking lot of a church. Not his finest moment. And definitely one he would have loved to forget if it weren’t for the dog’s owner: Aria... -
![Where We Come from by Oscar Cásares]()
Where We Come from by Oscar Cásares
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe towns along the U.S.-Mexican border have dangerous reputations -- on one side, drug cartels; on the other, zealous border patrol agents -- and Brownsville is no different. But to twelve-year-old Orly, it's simply where his godmother Nina lives -- and where he is being forced to stay after his mother's sudden death...Categorized as:
social-commentary family coming-of-age poc-mc politics fiction literary-fiction contemporary -
![Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now by Dana L. Davis]()
Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now by Dana L. Davis
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI’ve got seven days to come clean to my new dad. Seven days to tell the truth…For sixteen-year-old Tiffany Sly, life hasn’t been safe or normal for a while. Losing her mom to cancer has her a little bit traumatized and now she has to leave her hometown of Chicago to live with the biological dad she’s never known... -
![How to Be Remy Cameron by Julian Winters]()
How to Be Remy Cameron by Julian Winters
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEveryone on campus knows Remy Cameron. He's the out-and-proud, super-likable guy who friends, faculty, and fellow students alike admire for his cheerful confidence. The only person who isn't entirely sure about Remy Cameron is Remy himself... -
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![Loving Donovan by Bernice L. McFadden]()
Loving Donovan by Bernice L. McFadden
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe first section of this unconventional love story belongs to Campbell. Despite being born to a broken-hearted mother and a faithless father, Campbell still believes in the power of love...if she can ever find it... -
![The [Un]popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez]()
The [Un]popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsVaseline on the teeth makes a smile shine. It’s a cheap stunt, but Mark Adams knows it’s optics that can win or ruin an election.Everything Mark learned about politics, he learned from his father, the congressman who still pretends he has a daughter and not a son. To protect his father’s image, Mark promises to keep his past hidden and pretend to be the cis guy everyone assumes he is... -
![Unbroken Threads by Jennifer Klepper]()
Unbroken Threads by Jennifer Klepper
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJessica Donnelly’s life is beginning to unravel. When the attorney turned stay-at-home mom tentatively volunteers to represent Amina Hamid, a woman seeking asylum, Jessica must learn an unfamiliar area of the law. Soon, rising opposition to Muslim immigration and unexpected prejudices put her relationships on shaky ground... -
![Blodsbunden by Augustin Erba]()
Blodsbunden by Augustin Erba
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMitt i en nedgången förort bor en blåblodig prinsessa med sin man, deras tre barn och en gigantisk schäfer. Innanför väggarna i höghuslägenheten försöker familjen hålla en egen värld vid liv, och där vill mamman helst stanna. Den äldste sonen Amadeus sätts i privatskola i stan "för att inte bli knarkare som grannbarnen", som hans mamma säger... -
![Dancing in the Dark by Robyn Bavati]()
Dancing in the Dark by Robyn Bavati
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNorth American debut of the Australian award-winning drama. Ditty Cohen is passionate about ballet--she loves how it feels to stand en pointe, to rise and spin across the room. But her Orthodox Jewish parents want Ditty to focus on the teachings of the Torah and to marry at a young age according to their religious tradition... -
![Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz]()
Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA colorful journey of self-discovery and identity, this sweet, vibrant picture book follows young Leila as she visits her grandmother’s house for their weekly family dinner, and finds parts of herself and her heritage in the family, friends, and art around her...
![The [Un]popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez](https://48f-1.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/books/small/641509352ec1ce24ded6bd7b.jpg)
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