Books like Claudia Kishi Middle School Dropout
Award winning
Jessi's Big Break
Ann M. Martin, 1998
137 pages
Why to read
Explores personal growth and embracing new challenges.
Highlights importance of friendship and teamwork.
Encourages resilience and adaptability in kids.
Supports development of emotional intelligence.

Jessi's Big Break
Ann M. Martin, 1998
Award winning
Karen's Birthday
Ann M. Martin, 2023
160 pages
Why to read
Captivating storyline celebrating milestones and growth.
Characters exhibit realistic emotions and decisions.
Enhances understanding of friendship and sharing.
Supports social skills development through engaging narrative.

Karen's Birthday
Ann M. Martin, 2023
Award winning
The Meanest Doll in the World
Brian Selznick, Ann M. Martin, Laura Godwin, 2003
304 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure enriches problem-solving skills.
Addresses self-esteem and peer pressure.
Fosters empathy and relationships understanding.
Enhances imaginative play and creativity.

The Meanest Doll in the World
Brian Selznick, Ann M. Martin, Laura Godwin, 2003
Karen's Ghost: A Graphic Novel (Baby-sitters Little Sister #11) (Baby-Sitters Little Sister Graphix)
Ann M. Martin, 2025
144 pages
Why to read
Fun mystery with gentle chills.
Shows power of teamwork.
Great for reluctant readers.
Teaches research skills.

Karen's Ghost: A Graphic Novel (Baby-sitters Little Sister #11) (Baby-Sitters Little Sister Graphix)
Ann M. Martin, 2025
Award winning
Aaron Slater, Illustrator
Andrea Beaty, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Empowers creativity and self-expression through illustration.
Inspires overcoming dyslexia with relatable protagonist.
Encourages perseverance and individuality for young readers.
Celebrates diversity and inclusivity in storytelling.

Aaron Slater, Illustrator
Andrea Beaty, 2021
Award winning
The Drama Llama: A story about soothing anxiety
Rachel Morrisroe, 2024
40 pages
Why to read
Addresses anxiety with engaging, relatable storytelling.
Encourages emotional development and self-soothing techniques.
Supports early literacy with simple, rhythmic text.
Ideal for shared reading, fostering parent-child bonds.

The Drama Llama: A story about soothing anxiety
Rachel Morrisroe, 2024
Award winning
Gibberish
Young Vo, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity through playful, imaginative language.
Supports language development with engaging, quirky dialogues.
Encourages interactive reading sessions between parents and children.
Builds vocabulary with unique and amusing wordplay.

Gibberish
Young Vo, 2022
Award winning
The Red Jacket
Bob Holt, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Captivating adventure enhances children’s creative thinking.
Encourages empathy through diverse, relatable character experiences.
Supports cognitive development with engaging narrative challenges.
Strengthens reading skills, perfect for family bonding.

